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An approach to integrated ecological assessment of resource condition: the Mid-Atlantic estuaries as a case study

“…A continuing question while the Condition of the Mid-Atlantic Estuaries report was being developed was which decisions MAIA was trying to in¯uence. Although MAIA had decided to focus on providing state and USEPA managers with highly aggregated data that would help them consider higher-level management issues, discussions during the MAIA Working Conference (Bradley et al, 2000) reemphasized the local needs. Many participants stated that the regional information was too broad to help them in their practical decision-making.…”

“…However, it was noted several times during the MAIA Working Conference (Bradley et al, 2000) that in order to understand what to do about a problem, it was necessary to disaggregate and analyze the data further. It may therefore be inferred that the level of synthesis and method of communicating the results should be a function of the question being asked and that providing several levels of detail would aid in meeting the multiple needs in a regional context.…”