Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Area 1 Overview: Assessment, Monitoring and Management of Aquatic Resources

EPA Office of Research Development (ORD)'s research on aquatic resources will provide nationally-and regionally-consistent tools to assess ecological status and trends, set attainable goals, and monitor progress toward these goals. In addition, research will refine and develop models, methods, and approaches to improve the management of watersheds and water quality for both regulatory and non-regulatory programs. Science in this research area will support and advance National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS) monitoring and assessment, and it will extend NARS data and approaches to support priority setting and management actions. Tools, indicators, and information will be developed to inform water quality goals, assess biological condition, and support effective management of diverse water bodies. Additionally, ORD will develop and apply water quality models and economic analyses to support science-based water quality decisions, and will provide research support for the San Juan Watershed Program.

Impact/Purpose

EPA Office of Research and Development will develop, improve, and apply tools, indicators, methods, and models to help decision-makers at multiple levels proactively and adaptively manage aquatic resources. Outputs of this research will help states and tribes manage for healthy watersheds and to effectively implement CWA 303(d), TMDL, nonpoint source, and stormwater programs and support the National Estuary Program and Regional Program Offices.

Citation

Paulsen, Steve, Peg Pelletier, S. Yee, Matthew Heberling, Kate Sullivan, AND B. Rashleigh. Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Area 1 Overview: Assessment, Monitoring and Management of Aquatic Resources. EPA ORD Board of Scientific Counselors (BOSC) Subcommittee for Safe and Sustainable Water Resources Research Program, NA, October 28 - 29, 2020.

• SSWR RESEARCH AREA 1 BOSC_FINAL 508_ TAGGED.PDF (PDF)  (NA  pp, 2.4 MB, about PDF)