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Massachusetts Estuary Project(MEP) <br /> Linked Watershed Embayment Model Peer Review <br /> 4. MEP MODELING APPROACH. <br /> 4.1. Decision Support and Adaptive Management <br /> The MEP.modeling approach embodies a watershed-embayment model that links watershed inputs with <br /> water circulation and nitrogen characteristics in the estuaries and bays. The Panel recommends that the <br /> MEP modeling approach be considered within the larger context of the overall decision support system <br /> (DSS) and not be limited just to the linked watershed-embayment model. The Panel further recommends <br /> that an adaptive management framework(Figure 1)be used for the DSS,which integrates the MEP <br /> watershed-embayment model. This model serves important problem assessment,design and <br /> implementation components of the.DSS,but it only links nitrogen loads to nitrogen concentrations in the <br /> estuaries. The development of threshold nitrogen concentration targets is based on observed data that link <br /> nitrogen concentrations to water quality and ecological responses. In turn,to develop TMDLs,which <br /> drive the implementation component of the DSS,these nitrogen concentration targets are linked to <br /> nitrogen concentrations computed by the watershed-embayment model,and then linked back to nitrogen <br /> mass-loads to the estuaries. To complete the`adaptive management framework as a DSS,implementation <br /> must be followed by an integrated monitoring, evaluation(supported by the MEP model)and adjustment <br /> process to improve understanding and reduce uncertainties in the overall DSS cycle. <br /> Assess problem' <br /> Adiust `Design <br /> Evaluate. Implemerit <br /> Monitor <br /> Figure.1. Adaptive Management Process in a Decision Support System Framework <br /> (Williams et a).2009) <br /> December 30,2011 _---- <br />