NHEERL nutrient research efforts will provide nutrient-response relationships for diagnostic 
efforts (Section 8) and, once additional critical habitats subject to effects of nutrients are 
identified by habitat alteration research (Section 4), we will develop plans for nutrient load- 
response research in those critical habitats. To maximize our efforts, we also must link our 
efforts with other Laboratories in EPA (e.g., NERL), other Federal agencies (e.g., U.S. 
Geological Survey [USGS]), NOAA, and academic institutions collecting data on coastal 
systems. We have initiated efforts to provide common data and files across NHEERL’s 
Divisions and will continue to seek collaborations to strengthen our efforts. 
Goals 
The primary goal of this research is to provide the scientific basis and load-response relationships 
that are required to develop numeric nutrient criteria protective of aquatic life. The focus of this 
research is on coastal receiving waters and does not apply directly to the understanding of load- 
response relationships for other water bodies (e.g., streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands). 
Therefore, NHEERL research will initially define and quantify relationships between nutrient 
loading and ecological responses for coastal aquatic resources. The APGs and associated APMs 
for this research are listed below. Note: some APGs and APMs (including those under GPRA) 
were established before this document was written. They are listed here along with APGs and 
APMs that were developed under the aquatic stressors process. 
APG 1 FY02 (GPRA # 030) Provide a strategic approach for developing TMDL-driven 
thresholds for protecting ecosystems from nutrients and sedimentation. 
APM lA FY02 (GPRA # 163) Generalized seagrass/rhizosphere model capable of 
predicting effects of reduced light, sedimentation, nutrient depletion, and toxic effects of 
sulfides (WED). 
APM IB FY02 (GPRA # 164) Effects on estuarine submerged aquatic vegetation from 
changes in light quantity and quality due to increased levels of suspended solids (GED). 
APM 1C FY02 (GPRA # 165) Minimum dissolved oxygen requiremoits of aquatic 
animals in the Gulf of Mexico estuaries as a measure of the effect of nutrient enrichment 
(GED). 
APM ID FY 02 (GPRA # 166) Effects of nutrient loadings and altered nutrient ratios on 
HABs (GED). 
APG 2 FY03 Provide the science to support consistent dissolved oxygen criteria for prevention 
of hypoxia impacts in all coastal regions of the US. 
APM 2A FY03 Minimum DO requirements for a suite of the important marine organisms 
(fish and crustaceans) from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico coastal waters of the 
U.S. (AED). 
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