Characterization and 

 Problem Definition 



Compreiiensive 

 Conservation and 

 Management Plan 



Estuary Program 

 Primer 



• Is the environmental problem systemwide and pervasive, or is 

 it local, affecting small areas only? 



• If thie problem is local, is it nevertheless significant enough to 

 adversely affect the entire estuary or its resources? 



• Does the problem reduce the estuary's ability to support benefi- 

 cial uses? 



• What information is needed to identify the causes of the prob- 

 lem? 



• What actions can be taken to abate the problem or its causes? 



• Is enough known to take immediate action? 



When a significant problem is identified by the Conference, early 

 action to address the problem should begin. However, since most 

 problems require further investigation, the Conference performs an 

 objective, technical assessment of the state of the estuary. This 

 assessment attempts to link pollution sources to environmental 

 problems. It also evaluates the management programs in place to 

 protect the estuary. This phase, called characterization, is the basis 

 for defining and selecting the problems to be addressed in the 

 CCMP. A blueprint for achieving environmental protection in the 

 estuary, the CCMP requires a commitment to action by the con- 

 ferees. 



A CCMP summarizes the estuary's problems and indicates which 

 ones will be addressed. Through a collaborative process, the 

 Management Conference establishes program goals and objec- 

 tives, determining desirable and allowable uses for the estuary and 

 its various segments. Specific pollution control and resource 

 management plans, designed to meet each objective, are the core 

 of the CCMP. After evaluating the range of approaches carefully, 

 the conferees select those producing the greatest environmental 

 benefit — at the least cost and in the most timely manner — for 

 action. Actions are supported by a financial strategy; some actions 

 may be eligible for special funding as demonstration projects. 

 Strong public support and subsequent political commitments are 

 required to carry out the actions agreed to in the CCMP. 



Each estuary program must establish its own objectives and 

 operating methods, which will depend on the character and 

 problems indigenous to its body of water. The interests and values 

 of its public are also a paramount concern. With flexibility to 

 respond to the uniqueness of each estuary, all programs will entail 

 the same four phases. These phases, highlighted here, are dis- 

 cussed thoroughly in the following chapters. 



Phase 1 , the Planning Initiative, consists of building a management 

 organization for identifying and solving problems. This includes 

 setting up the Management Conference and committee structure 



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