VI-153 



water quality requirements of estuarlne organisms. A corollary 

 objective Is to determine how various pollutants affect the water 

 quality requirements of estuarlne organisms and ultimately their 

 productivity. It Is apparent that properly conducted, comprehen- 

 sive studies of this type would take a great deal of time, effort, 

 and money. Significant economies can be achieved In all of the 

 latter If the model facilities would be successfully minaturlzed. 

 Other advantages to the use of miniaturized model estuaries Is 

 greater flexibility In the study of variable factors and a substan- 

 tial reduction In the quantity of pollutants required for testing. 

 A basic requirement for such model facilities Is the ability to 

 maintain on a self-sustaining basis the biota representative of 

 the parent bay. Accordingly, the Initial phase of study would be 

 concerned with developing the various size model estuaries to 

 determine the degree of miniaturization possible without sacrifi- 

 cing the basic requirements. 



Development and use of model estuaries would be especially suited 

 for supplying much of the water quality Information Identified by 

 the National Technical Advisory Committee on water quality require- 

 ments. It also would serve as a bridge between laboratory and 

 field studies and, as such, assume a priority role as a research 

 need. 



Special Value*; nf Physical ''or^elinn 



The value of physical models of the tidal and estuarlne environ- 



