ESTUARINE PROGRAM 



George A. Rounsefell, Acting Program Leader 



Because of the growing need to vinderstand the effects of man-made 

 changes on the estuarine environment, a small estuarine program was initi- 

 ated in 1961. The purpose was to develop a nucleus of personnel and prelim- 

 inary knowledge, and to explore the type and scope of research necessary to 

 predict the effects of engineering projects on the fisheries. 



For the present the estuarine work is divided into three projects: 



1. Evaluation of estuarine data. The study of existing published 

 and unpublished data to obtain a clear picture of the present state of our knowl- 

 edge in order to determine how most effectively to attack the basic problems 

 without duplication of effort. 



2. Effects of engineering problems. Aimed at more or less em- 

 pirical determination of the causes of effects on the fauna through study of con- 

 ditions before and after construction of specific projects. Also advises on par- 

 ticular projects. 



3. Ecology of nursery grounds. To determine the types of estuarine 

 habitat suitable for different sizes and species of fish and invertebrates, how 

 they are affected by fluctuations in the environment, and their interrelation- 

 ships. 



Much of the knowledge must be obtained from studying conditions 

 before and after construction of specific projects; thus, in some cases, the 

 project and adjacent waters constitute our "laboratory. " The Corps of 

 Engineers constructs large-scale models of some of its projects at the Water- 

 ways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Tests with these models 

 can be very useful in the prediction of project effects on the hydrography of an 

 area. 



34 



