ces may also be addressed in the report. Hydrological information 

 will be included. There may no longer be a free exchange of fresh 

 and ocean waters. Pollutants may be trapped in the estuary, 

 accumulating and changing the balance and function of the ecosys- 

 tem. The report describes the estuary's major problems and sug- 

 gests possible solutions based on objective evidence. 



Besides depicting the physical, chemical, and biological state of the 

 estuary, the characterization report assesses whether existing 

 institutional mechanisms are appropriate in light of the estuarine 

 system. The report addresses current laws, regulatory programs, 

 and governmental and nongovernmental institutions, pointing to 

 gaps and needs for new authorities and efforts. It may suggest a 

 more strenuous set of standards and criteria, stepped up enforce- 

 ment actions, or even a new regulatory agency. 



The characterization report sets the stage for formulating the 

 CCMP and its action strategies. Therefore, all participants in the 

 IVIanagement Conference must be fully informed. They must un- 

 derstand the story the report tells and its implications for the future. 



38 



