Steps in Characterization 



Figure 3.1 Relationships among characterization steps. 



nutrient enrichment, eutrophication, and resulting dissolved oxygen 

 depletion may have far greater systemwide impacts, affecting not 

 only finfish species but shellfish and crab populations. 



Problems with a systemwide impact generally are ranked higher 

 than those with localized effects. Furthermore, problems that sig- 

 nificantly curtail the designated uses of an estuary may be ranked 

 high. Some problems may receive a high ranking because correc- 

 tive mechanisms, such as regulatory programs and authorities, are 

 already in place. 



From a management perspective, simply knowing that a problem 

 exists is not sufficient reason to study it. It is also necessary to be 

 able to identify the likely cause and to ascertain whether corrective 

 actions are feasible within reasonable cost and other limits. Trac- 

 table, or manageable, problems generally should be ranked higher 

 than those with no apparent solution or those requiring an inor- 



26 



