521 



system. It contains sets of blank forms and instructions for their com- 

 pletion with specific data. First, there must be institutional mana^- 

 ment information consisting of those kinds of information which 

 would be required by a responsible management entity to determine : 



Figure Vl.l.l 



DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL ESTUARINE INVENTORY 



Estuarine Register 

 Area Designations 



Simultaneously 

 < > 



"Pertinent Information" 

 Definition 



Handbook of Descriptors 

 Development 



Data Gathering 



Simultaneously 

 < > 



Data Automation 

 (or other compilation ) 



Data Analysis 



Out Put 



the most nearly optimum use balance; the kind of organization which 

 could achieve and maintain the balance most effectively ; whether such 

 an organization exists; and the existing institutional framework 

 within which it must work. Such information would include the po- 

 litical makeup, that is, the States, counties, municipalities, and special 

 districts involved; groups with management responsibilities in the 

 system; existing zoning restrictions; water quality standards; eco- 

 nomic makeup of the area ; present and historical uses ; sources of pol- 

 lution ; and damages to use from pollution and other causes. 



Second, there must be technical management information which in- 

 cludes those aspects of management which determine best use of an 

 estuarine system from a scientific and technical standpoint. For ex- 

 ample, it would be useless to manage an estuary for oyster production 

 if the habitat in its natural state were not suitable for oysters. To re- 

 solve questions of best estuarine use, necessary information would in- 

 clude the following : size and shape ; existing water quality ; amount of 

 water quality degradation ; sources and types of wastes ; climate, hy- 

 drology, circulation, ecology, present and potential habitat value; 

 physical modification, bathymetry, and bottom conditions. The list of 

 required management information, both institutional and technical, 



