Laserfiche WebLink
Massachusetts Estuary Project(MEP) <br /> Linked Watershed EmbaymentModel Peer Review <br /> 7. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PATH <br /> FORWARD <br /> The preceding sections of this report contain numerous specific recommendations pertaining to the <br /> overall MEP modeling approach and the individual topic areas. This section contains a high level <br /> categorical summary of the Panel recommendations for a path forward. <br /> The Panel recommends that the MEP modeling approach be considered within the larger context of the <br /> overall decision support system and not be limited to just the linked watershed-embayment model. The <br /> Panel further recommends that an adaptive management framework be used for this decision support <br /> system,which integrates the watershed-embayment model. This integration should include continued <br /> monitoring, data analysis and modeling to improve scientific understanding and reduce uncertainties in <br /> the physical, chemical and biological processes in the watersheds and estuaries. <br /> The Panel recommends that the towns proceed within this adaptive management framework to develop <br /> and implement wastewater and nutrient management plans, and make improvements along the way to <br /> reduce management uncertainties. This will ensure that TMDL implementation is not compromised due <br /> to a lack of information,and that progress will be made in the most cost effective manner while gathering <br /> new information to improve upon the scientific analysis,and the initial wastewater and nutrient <br /> management plans. <br /> The Panel recommends that model sensitivity analyses be conducted for the components and linkages in <br /> the watershed-embayment model for each specific estuary. Sensitivity analysis is the principal evaluation <br /> tool for characterizing the most and least important sources of uncertainty in environmental models. The <br /> Panel believes that a healthy recognition of uncertainty would encourage planning bodies to pursue an <br /> adaptive science and management strategy as they move forward to understand and remediate the impacts <br /> of excessive nitrogen loadings on the estuaries and embayments. <br /> The Panel recommends that the MEP adopt a more comprehensive approach for assessing the <br /> environmental conditions and status of eelgrass at sentinel sites. Predictions for the expansion of eelgrass <br /> into unvegetated and formerly impaired sites can be improved by incorporating additional factors that <br /> affect eelgrass growth,reproduction and dispersal,such as optical water quality,bottom substrate <br /> conditions and water depth. Emphasis should also be placed on the use of standard methods for <br /> quantitative assessments of eelgrass health and condition that incorporate and report measures of spatial <br /> and temporal variation. The Panel also recommends that SMAST and MDEP develop a coordinated <br /> effort to utilize more recent data from the MDEP eelgrass mapping program to establish restoration <br /> targets. <br /> December 30,2011 <br />