Virginia Coastal Program: 2002 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY2002 Task 88
Grantee:
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation/Virginia Commonwealth University
Project Title:
Enhanced Aquatic Resources Assessment
Project Description as Proposed:
Using archival data for a limited suite of tream taxa, Virginia Commonwealth University created a pilot, multimetric assessment tool that prioritizes watersheds in Virginia based on key attributes (biodiversity, ecological importance, etc.) of stream dependent living resources. The index classifies watersheds as a function of ecological integrity and value of representative stream segments within each watershed. The first phase of this state-wide effort relied on existing database information from 3 state agencies that was readily available. The Phase 1 effort utilized specific metrics from the Index for Biological Integrity and Rapid Bio-Assessment Protocol methodologies into a single methodology (miniMIBI) to form the basis of the classification scheme. What is needed now is to conduct a much more rigorous data search to identify gaps in watershed data. Where there is insufficient data it will need to be collected, which means that electrofishing and other sampling techniques will be necessary. To identify the best way to conduct this effort state-wide, DCR and other partners agencies decided a very focused level of effort should occur in a smaller geographic area, i.e. the Coastal Zone. Using standardized and quantitative sampling methods, a living resources inventory will be conducted for representative stream segments. These data will be incorporated into the miniMIBI tool. This project will focus on coastal zone tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay (1st to 6th order) primarily in the coastal plain physiographic province. A stratified random sampling will be used for site selection for freshwater systems only. (Based on the migration patterns of estuarine species, Virginia is not yet in a position to include estuaries). The data will include fishes, bentic macroinvertebrates, mussles, and aquatic macrophytes. This effort may require some modification of the miniMIBI developed in Phase 1.
Federal Funding:
$120,000
Project Contact:
Rick Hill, 804.786.7119, Richard.Hill@dcr.virginia.gov
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
This project was a sub-award to the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Center for Environmental Studies (CES) as a follow-up to a pilot study conducted as part of the 2002 Biennial Nonpoint Source Pollution Water Quality Assessment process. The pilot study utilized archival fish data from VCU, Dept. of Game & Inland Fisheries, and natural heritage data from the Dept. of Conservation & Recreation. VCU completed development and QA/QC of the Virginia Coastal Zone Stream Database that was developed based on extensive fieldwork and a reevaluation of selected archival datasets. VCU completed modifications to the Modified Index of Biotic Integrity (mIBI), including revised metrics and scoring criteria, and created computer algorithms that will be used by the INSTAR computer application (ArcIMS) to classify and prioritize hydrologic units (HUCs) on the basis of biological and habitat integrity. VCU also developed an interactive user interface, including database queries and mapping utilities, for the INSTAR assessment application. Twelve IBI metrics and seven RBP III metrics were used to characterize the fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages, respectively. A database containing approximately 10,000 data records (appended) was developed and used to create several multiple regression models (i.e., virtual streams) that describe statistically the expected reference conditions in first through third order streams (tidal and nontidal freshwater) of the Virginia Coastal Zone. These models, which will continue to be refined and validated, are used by INSTAR ver. 1.0 (http://gaia.vcu.edu/) to classify HUCs (modified index of biotic integrity, mIBI) and stream reaches (percentage comparable to appropriate virtual reference conditions) in the Virginia CZ on the basis of biotic integrity and overall stream ecosystem health. The INSTAR application is the primary deliverable for this project.
Form C end
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
