VI-53 

 SECTION 1. NONEXISTENT DATA 



Compilation of the Inventory revealed that a great many kinds of 



essential information have never been collected in sufficient detail 



or with a geographical coverage large enough to be useful in overall 



management planning, even in resource utilization planning for small 

 estuarine management units. 



Many studies of estuarine environments have been carried out, but these 

 have almost always been done or supported by mission-oriented agencies 

 whose activities are directed toward the achievement of specific 

 objectives. The extremely dynamic conditions usually prevailing 

 within estuarine systems, combined with personnel and budget limita- 

 tions, often prevents the collection of all but the most essential 

 information. 



For example, in an enforcement field study intended to determine the 

 damages resulting from shellfish bed closures, the essential investiga- 

 tions would require the study of sources of pollution, their effects on 

 water quality, shellfish habitat damage, and economic damage to the 

 shellfish industry. A general environmental study (including investi- 

 gations of sediment type and distribution, fish habitat value, oceano- 

 graphic features, and recreational use, among others) would probably 

 have to be foregone because of the lack of people and equipment to 

 carry them out. 



