collaboration with Goal 8 research efforts, and/or other research areas under the Aquatic Stressor 
research effort. 
Gaps by skill area and level of effort 
The level of effort and required areas of expertise for each of the diff^ent research tasks 
discussed in this document are summarized in Table 7. Overall, the total number of FTEs 
estimated for implementation of the Diagnostics plan is consistent with the total number of FTEs 
allocated to Diagnostics across all Ecology Divisions. This conclusion is based on two 
assumptions: 
1. There will be close coordination with other Aquatic Stressors research areas (Sections 4-7) in 
the development of conceptual models, classification frameworks, implementation of regional 
case studies, and development of decision support systems. 
2. The requisite expertise available within the Ecology Divisions will be made available for 
diagnostics research by management at the respective Divisions. 
Some gaps do exist in the types of expertise available relative to resource needs. Additional 
expertise and/or support will be needed for statistics (design issues), futures analysis 
(socioeconomics, ecological economics), near coastal modeling for marine systems, ecosystem 
simulation modeling, and programming support for decision-support system design and 
development. Some of these needs could be met through additional infrastructure support for 
existing contracts (statistical support available through AED, ADP support contracts at all 
Divisions)^ while other needs must be factored into long-term hiring plans (ecological 
economics, socioeconomics) or development of extramural grants. Some modeling support 
needs could be met through coordination with NERL Divisions, Regions, or Program Offices, 
but additional support will be needed to develop food web components of models. 
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