Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

SS31 Integrated Approaches to Drainage Basin Nutrient Inputs and Inland/Coastal Eutrophication (Science and Society Connections)

Date: Thursday, February 15, 2001, Time: 2:30:00 PM

Location: Cimarron

Kremer, J, N, Marine Sciences, Univ. Connecticut, Avery Point, Groton, CT 06340, USA, jkremer@uconn.edu

Currie, W, J, Marine Sciences, Univ. Connecticut, Avery Point, Groton CT, USA, wcurrie@uoguelph.ca

Brawley, J, , Tetra Tech EM Inc., Boston, MA 02109, USA, yapok@earthlink.net

CHANGING LAND-USE AND ESTUARIES, A C.L.U.E. FOR INFORMED MANAGEMENT

A nitrogen loading-estuarine response model has been developed to assist with land-use management decisions. It is an empirically-based numerical simulation linking land-use and N-loading to ecologically important and socially relevant endpoints of water quality, hypoxia, eelgrass habitat, and fish diversity and abundance. We simulate phytoplankton, macroalgae, DIN, DIP, planktonic heterotrophy, and benthic organic demand; from these we infer probability of hypoxia, relative suitability of eelgrass habitat, and fish populations. Developed initially for Waquoit Bay (Cape Cod, MA), we are applying the model to nine varied sites in MA, RI and CT. A tutorial web page will be linked to the CLUE model to allow users to explore different scenarios of land use to observe effects on nitrogen loading, estuarine water and habitat quality. Results are presented in a format and in a context that facilitates valid interpretation by non-scientists. Our goal is to encourage more appropriate use of scientific knowledge in decisions at the local planning level.

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Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Albuquerque 2001

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