Using SWMP to Address Local Water Quality Information Needs Sally Palmer, Dr. Kiersten Madden, Rae Mooney, Dr. Ed Buskey Mission‐Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve, University of Texas Marine Science Institute www.missionaransas.org
25.8% Setting the scene : over age of 65 (2010 Little Bay, Rockport Texas Census) www.missionaransas.org
1959 verses 2013 www.missionaransas.org
1959 NOW Fringing seagrass Closed/limited Sparse seagrass water exchange Open water exchange www.missionaransas.org
www.missionaransas.org
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bay exchange Modified watershed ‐ Tule Creek Storm drains bay exchange fill www.missionaransas.org
Collaboration $ www.missionaransas.org
Methodology Installed “SWMP” station for water quality: Temperature o Salinity o Dissolved oxygen o pH o Turbidity o Chlorophyll o Nutrients (monthly) o www.missionaransas.org
Methodology Nutrients & • phytoplankton ‐ monthly Seagrass ‐ annual • o % cover Little Bay o Height o Aerial extent Water quality o Total suspended solids o o Seagrass C/ N/ P ratios o Isotopic signatures o Seed reserve Light attenuation • System‐wide monitoring • program stations used as a pristine comparison. www.missionaransas.org
Communication ‐ Lessons learned Audience is concerned citizens Lessons learned More time and effort is necessary than to resource managers On‐going project More outreach materials and visuals Less jargon Higher frequency of outreach needed Since August 2012 - 12 related new s articles published in local paper! www.missionaransas.org
Problem = We needed a better Ecocheck is part of the Integration method of communication and Application Network, with a focus on ecosystem health reporting. Solution = report Integration of geographically detailed card approach assessments Forecasts of Chesapeake Bay ecosystem health Timely and scientifically rigorous communication products www.missionaransas.org
3989 free high resolution images http://ian.umces.edu 2692 free vector symbols www.missionaransas.org
Communication www.missionaransas.org
Communication ‐ Improvement Looking for the silver bullet Guidance on biological criteria They want thresholds www.missionaransas.org
Outcomes Feasibility study to increase water circulation Construction of storm water retention ponds in watershed Upgrade of wastewater treatment plant Informed citizenry and elected officials Forming bonds and collaborations with communities New visitor center www.missionaransas.org
Questions? SALLY PALMER Sally.palmer@utexas.edu 361 ‐ 749 ‐ 3046 www.missionaransas.org
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