Section 3. 
Research Products and Implementation Plans 
Five main products from this research have been identified for meeting the goal of protecting 
ecological integrity of aquatic systems (Figure 1, boxes lb-5b). These are: 
• Methods to predict biological effects of habitat alteration; 
• Population, community, and ecosystem stressor-response models; 
• Diagnostic tools to determine impairment or causes of impairment to aquatic systems; 
• Classification approaches to aid in the prediction and management of problems; and 
• Methods and models to support the development of ecological criteria. 
Although research to produce these products might need to be conducted independently at first, it 
also will have to be coordinated so that these products can be integrated into a manager’s 
decision support system. In some cases, these products have been established, but need to be 
improved. In others, they will have to be developed. Therefore, research is being planned 
around compatible approaches, scales, critical areas, and geographic regions, when possible. 
The remainder of this document (Seaions 4-8) provides the plans for implementing research in 
each of NHEERL’s priority areas. Each plan describes the problem the Agency faces, the goals, 
critical path for conducting the research, specific research projects to be conducted, a gap 
analysis, and references. The research projects within each plan contain the general objectives, 
scientific approach, products, benefits of the products to the client, and an estimate of the 
workload (in full time equivalents, FTEs) it will take to complete each project. 
Currently, the work groups identified at the beginning of this document along with other staff 
within NHEERL’s Ecology Divisions are detailing the projects outlined in the implementation 
plans in Sections 4-8 (Note: these detailed projects plans are not included in the present 
document). Each project will describe further coherent portions of the critical paths conceived to 
meet the goals stated in each implementation plan and will show how the projects will be 
completed to produce the products listed. Cross divisional projects will be conducted by 
scientists from more than one Ecological Division, while others will be conducted by staff of a 
single Division. Each project will consist of a design narrative (design, approach, and analysis) a 
Quality Assurance (QA) Plan, Health and Safety and Environmental Compliance Plan, and an 
Animal Care and Use Plan (if required) consistent with the Ecological Divisions’ project plan 
documentation, and will undergo internal review prior to final approval. Work load (FTEs) and 
staff also will be provided in more detail than what is stated in the implementation plans shown 
in Sections 4-8. 
The completion of research outlined in this document will require continued interaction within 
and across NHEERL’s Ecological Divisions, between ORD’s Laboratories and Centers, and 
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