Abstract 



This document presents fifteen technical guidelines to evaluate the suitability of an 

 ecological indicator for a particular monitoring program. The guidelines are organized 

 within four evaluation phases: conceptual relevance, feasibility of implementation, 

 response variability, and interpretation and utility. The U.S. Environmental Protection 

 Agency's Office of Research and Development has adopted these guidelines as an iterative 

 process for internal and (EPA's) affiliated researchers during the course of indicator 

 development, and as a consistent framework for indicator review. Chapter One describes 

 the guidelines; Chapters Two, Three, and Four illustrate application of the guidelines to 

 three indicators in various stages of development. The example indicators include a direct 

 chemical measure, dissolved oxygen concentration, and two multi-metric biological indices, 

 an index of estuarine benthic condition and one based on stream fish assemblages. The 

 purpose of these illustrations is to demonstrate the evaluation process using real data and 

 working with the limitations of research in progress. Furthermore, these chapters 

 demonstrate that an evaluation may emphasize individual guidelines differently, depending 

 on the type of indicator and the program design. The evaluation process identifies 

 weaknesses that may require further indicator research and modification. This document 

 represents a compilation and expansion of previous efforts, in particular, the initial guidance 

 developed for EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). 



Keywords: ecological indicators, EMAP, environmental monitoring, ecological assessment, 

 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program 



