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A Biological Condition Gradient Model for Historical Assessment of Estuarine Habitat Structure

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Abstract

Coastal ecosystems are affected by ever-increasing natural and human pressures. Because the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics unique to estuarine ecosystems control the ways that biological resources respond to ecosystem stressors, we present a flexible and adaptable biological assessment method for estuaries. The biological condition gradient (BCG) is a scientific framework of biological response to increasing anthropogenic stress that is comprehensive and ecosystem based and evaluates environmental conditions and the status of ecosystem services in order to identify, communicate, and prioritize management action. Using existing data, we constructed the first estuarine BCG framework that examines changes in habitat structure through time. Working in a New England (U.S.) estuary with a long history of human influence, we developed an approach to define a reference level, which we described as a “minimally disturbed” range of conditions for the ecosystem, anchored by observations before 1850 AD. Like many estuaries in the U.S., the relative importance of environmental stressors changed over time, but even qualitative descriptions of the biological indicators’ status provided useful information for defining condition levels. This BCG demonstrated that stressors rarely acted alone and that declines in one biological indicator influenced the declines of others. By documenting the biological responses to cumulative stressors, the BCG inherently suggests an ecosystem-based approach to management. Additionally, the BCG process initiates thinking over long time scales and can be used to inspire scientists, managers, and the public toward environmental action.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by the U.S. EPA Office of Water and Region 1. Although this research was funded by the U.S. EPA, the views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the Agency. The authors wish to thank the participants of both BCG workshops held in Narragansett, RI and the numerous groups and individuals who have contributed data regarding the ecology of Narragansett Bay. The ideas and efforts of these individuals created a foundation for the estuarine BCG framework and case study. We would also like to thank P. Bradley, R. McKinney, S. Ayvasian, John Paul, and two anonymous reviewers for thoughtful review of this manuscript. This is EPA contribution # ORD-003233.

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  1. Emily J. Shumchenia

    Present address: E&C Enviroscape LLC, Ashaway, RI, 02804, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, South Ferry Road, Narragansett Bay, RI, 02882, USA

    Emily J. Shumchenia

  2. Atlantic Ecology Division, U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, 27 Tarzwell Drive, Narragansett Bay, RI, 02882, USA

    Marguerite C. Pelletier, Giancarlo Cicchetti & Carol E. Pesch

  3. Maine Department of Environmental Protection, 17 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04333, USA

    Susan Davies

  4. Division of Fish and Wildlife, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, 3 Fort Wetherill Road, Jamestown, RI, 02835, USA

    Christopher F. Deacutis

  5. U.S. EPA Office of Water, Region 1, 5 Post Office Square, Boston, MA, 02109, USA

    Margherita Pryor

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  1. Emily J. Shumchenia
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Correspondence to Emily J. Shumchenia.

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Shumchenia, E.J., Pelletier, M.C., Cicchetti, G. et al. A Biological Condition Gradient Model for Historical Assessment of Estuarine Habitat Structure. Environmental Management 55, 143–158 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-014-0401-0

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