VI-252 



The most important knowledge to be gained is an understanding of 

 the estuarine environment adequate to permit the recognition and 

 interpretation of causal relationships which, in turn, provides 

 the capability to predict the effects of natural and human activi- 

 ties in the estuarine zone and hence supports a program of technical 

 management. The research programs which will yield this information 

 are in the categories of: 



(1) Ecology, taken to include baseline information, 

 broad ecological studies, biology, water quality, natural 

 variability, and interface factors. 



(2) Toxicity, taken to include bioassay needs and 

 methodology, sublethal effects, and mortality phenomena. 



(3) Microbiology, taken to include the regeneration 

 of plant nutrients, biodegradation of organic wastes, 

 eutrophication, and pathogens. 



(4) Physics and mathematics, taken to include hydraulics, 

 sedimentation, effects of structures and physical modifi- 

 cations, and physical and mathematical modeling. 



(5) Socioeconomic factors, taken to include planning, 

 economics, law, social and demographic factors and trends, 

 resource evaluation and allocation, and the role of tech- 

 nical research and study in supporting a comprehensive 

 management program. 



(6) Ancillary research and study needs, taken to include 

 environmental monitoring, methodology (both laboratory and 



