U.S. EPA’s National Coastal Condition Assessment in the Great Lakes

Session: 57. - Advances in Understanding Nearshore Ecosystems in Great Lakes and Connecting Channels

Mari Nord, U.S. EPA Region 5, nord.mari@epa.gov
Elizabeth Hinchey Malloy, U.S. EPA GLNPO, hinchey.elizabeth@epa.gov
Santina Wortman, U.S. EPA GLNPO, wortman.santina@epa.gov
John Kiddon, U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development - Atlantic Ecology Division , kiddon.john@epa.gov
Marguerite Pelletier, U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development - Atlantic Ecology Division, pelletier.peg@epa.gov
Linda Harwell, U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development - Gulf Ecology Division, harwell.linda@epa.gov
David Bolgrien, US Environmental Protection Agency, Bolgrien.Dave@epa.gov
Hugh Sullivan, U.S. EPA Office of Water, sullivan.hugh@epa.gov
Alex Bijak, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, bijak.alexandra@epa.gov
Molly Wick, EPA, Oak Ridge Institute for Science, wick.molly@epa.gov
Matthew Pawlowski, ORISE, pawlo023@d.umn.edu
Sarah Lehmann, U.S. EPA Office of Water, lehmann.sarah@epa.gov

Abstract

The nearshore waters of the Great Lakes are sampled as part of the USEPA National Coastal Condition Assessment (NCCA), which is conducted every five years as a component of the US EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS).  The surveys sample and estimate the condition of the Nation’s different water body types on a rotating basis.   Standardized protocols and select indicators are used to develop statistically valid assessments of the ecological, biological and recreational condition of the US waters at the national and regional scale.  The surveys are conducted in collaboration with states, tribes, other federal agencies and partners.  EPA program and regional offices collaborate with states and tribes to conduct population enhancement studies. These enhancements support the program while adhering to the overall sample design to develop statistically valid assessment of subregional geographic areas.  As part of the 2015 NCCA survey, the US EPA and partners, supported by Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funds, undertook a number of enhanced population studies in the Great Lakes.  This presentation will focus on the Great Lakes and the enhancements while providing an overview of the NCCA program.

1. Keyword
monitoring

2. Keyword
bioindicators

3. Keyword
coasts

4. Additional Keyword
nearshore