Modeling diagrams, interaction matrices, and 

 narrative accounts are used to highlight important 

 resource components and processes. A "blueprint" 

 for guiding future data-collection synthesis and 

 analysis is then prepared as the final stage of the 

 conceptual model. 



INFORMATION SYNTHESIS AND ANALYSIS 



After the priorities for ecosystem information 

 needs have been established by the conceptual 

 model, data compilation is initiated. Fundamental 

 to ecosystem characterization is the structured 

 accumulation of all existing information identified 

 by the model as being significant. This phase of the 

 process requires the identification of all published 

 material as well as information stored in files, in 

 unpublished reports, and in the heads of indi- 

 viduals familiar with the area's ecology. 



The conceptual model also assists in making 

 full use of the available information by establishing 

 the boundaries of transferability. Site-specific 

 information from a single estuary, for example, 

 might be applicable to other estuaries within the 

 same hydrologic unit but data from outside the 

 system would have to be carefully screened to 

 establish relevance. In this way maximum use is 

 made of all available information. 



Data are assembled into two reference systems: 

 a literature citation system and a data source 

 appendix. Material referenced in the literature cited 

 section would be available in major libraries within 

 the geographic area of the characterization study. 

 Standard sources (books, journals, monographs, 

 theses, and dissertations, etc.) would be included in 

 the literature cited section. The data source appen- 

 dix contains a listing of information and, where 

 appropriate, actual data compiled from unpub- 

 lished sources that are generally unavailable to 

 users. 



Major products of the data synthesis and analy- 

 sis phase include: 



• The Ecosystem Characterization Report 

 describing the system and highlighting 

 important natural resources and the proces- 

 ses which affect their distribution and 

 productivity. The report is designed pri- 

 marily to provide an understanding of the 

 system through sufficient narrative, graphs, 

 maps, tables, and illustrations. It does not 

 represent the primary data source, although 

 a comprehensive literature cited section is 

 part of the report. 



Data Source Appendix forms the major 

 data base developed during the course of 

 the study. Together with the published 

 literature, it represents a primary source of 

 information on the environment of the eco- 

 system. Steps are being taken to develop a 

 standardized system to locate, access, and 

 transfer the information. 



SCHEDULING 



An important aspect of the characterization 

 approach to planning environmental study pro- 

 grams is that useful information can be developed 

 early in the program. Approximately 20 months 

 are required to complete the process. The first 

 activity is a general survey of user needs focusing 

 on Federal and State agency interests, followed 

 within 3 months by a draft of the conceptual 

 model. A pilot characterization area is selected and 

 an intensive data acquisition phase is undertaken. 

 The purpose of the pilot area, usually a basin or 

 region within the ecosystem, is to develop and 

 present the data format which wUl be used in the 

 final characterization report and data source 

 appendix. The user group will have the oppor- 

 tunity to review the pilot documents approxi- 

 mately 6 months after work begins, providing 

 ample time to incorporate necessary changes into 

 the final reports. After the format and content 

 have been established through the pilot effort, the 

 ecosystem characterization can then proceed 

 rapidly to completion. 



USER RELATIONSHIPS 



The test of an information system is its value 

 when applied to solving real problems. To 

 effectively meet user needs their guidance must be 

 sought and incorporated into the planning and 

 development of all phases of the process. 



Ecosystem characterization will not provide 

 solutions to all enviroimiental problems arising in 

 the coastal zone. However, it does provide a base 

 of ecological information which will have applica- 

 tion to most situations. Activities for Coastal Zone 

 Management (CZM), managed by National Oceanic 

 and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), range 

 from comprehensive planning, requiring a broad 

 base of information, to site-specific disturbances. 

 To meet these needs, the information base must 

 contain general information highlighting the 



