3) 
development of alternative solutions and techniques for 
modification of negative trends. (Techniques for 
meeting objectives); 
4) assessment of impacts of alternative solutions (Compare 
with objectives); 
5) identification of "best" alternative based on optimal 
use of environmental resources balanced with needs of 
the economy. 
The process starts with investigations of all water re¬ 
sources of the region, their dynamics (under natural and regu¬ 
lated conditions), quality and biological productivity, as well 
as their uses, conservation, and restoration. This makes it 
possible to describe the trends in various dimensions of the 
ecosystem and to define optimal levels of resources utilization. 
Then a long-term forecast begins with water availability 
studies and analysis of water use by various industries, demo¬ 
graphic trends, and recreational needs in this particular re¬ 
gion. Based on a variety of projected levels of water use, fore¬ 
casts are then made of potential impacts of water regulation on 
the quality of the estuarine ecosystem and its living resources 
(e.g., fisheries, wildlife, etc.). The main objective of this 
systems analysis approach is the development of a tentative eval¬ 
uation of long-term trends in water resources. This should then 
make it possible to identify the principal factors responsible 
for these changes and to develop strategies for their mitiga¬ 
tion. Decisions regarding alternative strategies will utimately 
be made through a management system. 
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently 
assumed a leadership role in this process to "achieve effective 
and cooperative management of the Delta-Bay system and to facili¬ 
tate communication and coordination among and within existing 
management agencies." Their initial step will be to design a 
management structure and decision-making process. In order to 
manage the Delta and San Francisco Bay for the benefit of all 
the citizens of the area, management goals that are agreed upon 
by a wide and representative cross-section must be adopted and a 
research program designed to achieve these goals. 
A likely source of information needed for such management is 
the recently created Aquatic Habitat Institute (AHI) which is 
governed by a board representing regulatory agencies, discharg¬ 
ers, the academic community and the public, and which was de¬ 
signed to produce a "a comprehensive data base for current and 
past research, and master plan for future monitoring and re¬ 
search that assures efficient use of the many ongoing pro¬ 
grams." It is anticipated that the AHI will work closely with 
133 
