What Does the Scientific 



and Technical Advisory 



Committee Do? 



Who Are the Members of 



the Scientific and 



Technical Advisory 



Committee? 



STAC to understand that the estuary program is fundamentally a 

 management program, rather than a research program. 



At the same time, program managers must recognize the impor- 

 tance of basing the management strategies on sound scientific 

 information. The STAC provides the science in estuary programs, 

 identifying and defining the estuary's environmental problems. The 

 STAC also recommends scientific studies, investigations, samp- 

 ling, and monitoring programs that are necessary to determine the 

 causes of environmental problems. 



The STAC reports to the management committee, and its chair- 

 person may sit on that committee or on the policy committee. The 

 STAC provides advice and guidance related to research, data 

 management, modeling, and sampling and monitoring efforts, 

 which affect the scientific adequacy of the estuary program ac- 

 tivities. Depending on the problem, STAC members suggest the 

 specific scientific activities necessary to meet program objectives 

 established by the Management Conference. The STAC also con- 

 ducts peer review of studies, reports on the status and trends in the 

 estuary, and alerts the management committee to emerging en- 

 vironmental problems. In addition, it oversees the assembly and 

 analysis of historical data bases for characterizing the estuary. To 

 ensure scientific rigor and quality, the STAC also reviews the 

 development of any requests for proposals and the actual 

 proposals submitted. 



In carrying out its responsibilities, the STAC may create work 

 groups and subcommittees. It may also advise the management 

 committee on the selection of work group members. The STAC 

 may help provide initial direction for each work group or subcom- 

 mittee. In addition, it may determine objectives and likely sources 

 of scientific, technical, and logistical support required to perform 

 assigned tasks. 



Members are nominated by the management committee and ap- 

 pointed by the policy committee. They are selected with advice from 

 local, state, and federal agencies; regional scientists; and public or 

 private institutions conducting scientific studies in the water basin. 



STAC members, who should represent a balance of scientific 

 disciplines, may be noted local experts or outside scientists. An 

 EPA regional representative from the Office of Research and 

 Development should be included as well. Typically, members 

 should have expertise in the following areas: 



• Sources of nutrients/toxics; 



• Transport and fate, including modeling; 



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