ASSETS is a screening model that can be used as an integrated approach for eutrophication assessment. This model provides an overall classification of the eutrophication status of the system into five classes: High (best), Good, Moderate, Poor and Bad (worst). Main state variables: Nutrient load, chlorophyll a, macroalgae, dissolved oxygen, submerged aquatic vegetation, harmful algal blooms. Scale to which applicable: This screening model is applicable to the ecosystem scale, corresponding in a waterbody and regional scale to zones B and C - Water body and Regional scale. General description: ASSETS is an integrated approach for eutrophication assessment. It provides an overall classification of the system by aggregating the results of three diagnostic indices [Bricker et al. 2003]: 1- Influencing Factors (IF), an index of pressure using simple mass balance model based on land nutrient loading and system susceptibility; 2- Eutrophication Conditions (EC), a symptom based evaluation of state calculated by aggregating primary and secondary eutrophication symptoms (using a combination matrix). The symptoms are evaluated using a logical decision process [Bricker et al. 2003] applied to the variables chlorophyll a and macroalgae for the Primary Symptoms Method (PSM) and dissolved oxygen, submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) loss and nuisance and toxic algal blooms for the Secondary Symptom Method (SSM). 3 – Future Outlook (FO) an indicator of how conditions in the system will change in the future (eg prediction of conditions) based on expected changes in management and land use within the watershed combined with an assessment of the susceptibility of the system and is graded to five classes (from best to worst): Improve High, Improve Low, No Change, Worsen Low and Worsen High. A component to evaluate what the management response should be based on present condition and susceptibility is in development. (http://www.eutro.org/documents/Slides%20ASLO2005%20SS72%20Response.pdf)
Basic computer skills sufficient. Some scientific background necessary.
developers are available for consultation at the email address provided (i.e. suzanne [dot] bricker [at] noaa [dot] gov and joao [at] hoomi [dot] com)
Windows OS, PC based
Forcing data needed: Values needed for field data (or results from research models) on nutrient load, chlorophyll a, macroalgae, dissolved oxygen, SAV spatial coverage and nuisance/toxic algal blooms.
Bricker, S.B., B. Longstaff, W. Dennison, A. Jones, K. Boicourt, C. Wicks and J. Woerner. 2008. Effects of Nutrient Enrichment in the Nation’s Estuaries: A Decade of Change. Special issue of Harmful Algae 8: 21-32.
Bricker, S., B. Longstaff, W. Dennison, A. Jones, K. Boicourt, C. Wicks and J. Woerner. 2007. Effects of Nutrient Enrichment in the Nation’s Estuaries: A Decade of Change, National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment Update. NOAA Coastal Ocean Program Decision Analysis Series No. 26. National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Silver Spring, MD. 322 pp. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/news/feature/Eutroupdate.html
Ferreira, J.G., S.B. Bricker, T.C. Simas. 2007. Application and sensitivity testing of an eutrophication assessment method on coastal systems in the United States and European Union. Journal of Environmental Management. Vol. 82(4): 433-445.
Ferreira, J.G.F., A.J.D.S. Hawkins, S.B. Bricker. 2007. Farm-scale assessment of shellfish aquaculture in coastal systems – the Farm Aquaculture Resource Management (FARM) model. Aquaculture 264: 160–174.
Bricker, S.B., D. Lipton, A. Mason, M. Dionne, D. Keeley, C. Krahforst, J. Latimer, J. Pennock. 2006. Improving methods and indicators for evaluating coastal water eutrophication: A pilot study in the Gulf of Maine. NOAA technical report 20. http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/news/feature/GulfofMaine.html
Bricker, S.B., J.G. Ferreira, and T. Simas. 2003. An Integrated Methodology for Assessment of Estuarine Trophic Status. Ecol. Modelling 169: 39-60.
Bricker, S.B., C.G. Clement, D. E. Pirhalla, S.P. Orlando, and D.R.G. Farrow. 1999. National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment. Effects of Nutrient Enrichment in the Nation’s Estuaries. NOAA, National Ocean Service, Special Projects Office and National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Silver Spring. http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/publications/eutro_report.pdf
see also publication list at: http://www.eutro.org and resources list at http://www.eutro.us
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