Forecasting Approaches 
FY07 Methods and models to support alternative remediation schemes to achieve specific 
management goals (MED). 
3. Case Studies. 
APM 2B FY05 Application of coastal watershed and estuarine/lacustuary classification schemes 
to predict probability of impairment based on Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico regional case 
studies (GED, MED). 
Benefit of Products 
Diagnostic tool development will produce the single stressor, multiple stressor, and forecasting 
methods and models necessary to determine the causes of adverse effects on intact water bodies. 
Regional case studies will provide the basis for verifying the efficacy of these diagnostic tools. 
Further, regional case studies will provide the basis for development of the guidance listed 
above, and allow diagnostic tools to be demonstrated to stakeholders in sites where TMDLs need 
to be developed. These studies will enable OW to understand how multiple stressors, such as 
nutrients and toxic chemical loadings, affect important habitats separately and in combination for 
several types of coastal ecosystems across the U.S. We expect the methods and models 
developed here to be generic for specific stressor-ecosystem combinations. Therefore, we predict 
that they can be applied in other regions that contain similar stressor-ecosystem combinations. 
Classification schemes will allow us to regionalize results and recommendations for TMDLs and 
watershed restoration activities. The scientific approach used here is also generic and it could be 
applied to develop similar relationships for the ecosystems and stressors that predominate in any 
region. 
Project Title 4, Generic Models for the Evaluation of Multiple Stressor Interactions 
Project Coordination and Resources (1.5-8.0 FTEs: AED, GED, MED, starting in FY04/05, 
increase over time) 
Objectives 
The objective of this research area is to assess the likelihood that synergistic and/or antagonistic 
ecological effects will occur from the interactions of multiple stressors. To set priorities for the 
development of TMDLs and the restoration of impaired water bodies, it is necessary to 
understand how the potential interactions among stressors will affect system recovery once one 
of the stressors is reduced. For example, in a turbid coastal wetland, a reduction in suspended 
solids loading without an accompanying reduction in P loading from upstream animal feed lots 
could unmask a eutrophication problem that was previously not evident due to light limitations 
on primary production. 
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