Science-based restoration monitoring of coastal habitats, Volume One: A framework for monitoring plans under the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000 (Public Law 160-457)

Executive Summary: The Estuary Restoration Act of 2000 (ERA), Title I of the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000, was created to promote the restoration of habitats along the coast of the United States (including the US protectorates and the Great Lakes). The NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science was charged with the development of a guidance manual for monitoring plans under this Act. This guidance manual, titled Science-Based Restoration Monitoring of Coastal Habitats, is written in two volumes. It provides technical assistance, outlines necessary steps, and provides useful tools for the development and implementation of sound scientific monitoring of coastal restoration efforts. In addition, this manual offers a means to detect early warnings that the restoration is on track or not, to gauge how well a restoration site is functioning, to coordinate projects and efforts for consistent and successful restoration, and to evaluate the ecological health of specific coastal habitats both before and after project completion (Galatowitsch et al. 1998). The following habitats have been selected for discussion in this manual: water column, rock bottom, coral reefs, oyster reefs, soft bottom, kelp and other macroalgae, rocky shoreline, soft shoreline, submerged aquatic vegetation, marshes, mangrove swamps, deepwater swamps, and riverine forests. The classification of habitats used in this document is generally based on that of Cowardin et al. (1979) in their Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States, as called for in the ERA Estuary Habitat Restoration Strategy. This manual is not intended to be a restoration monitoring “cookbook” that provides templates of monitoring plans for specific habitats. The interdependence of a large number of site-specific factors causes habitat types to vary in physical and biological structure within and between regions and geographic locations (Kusler and Kentula 1990). Monitoring approaches used should be tailored to these differences. However, even with the diversity of habitats that may need to be restored and the extreme geographic range across which these habitats occur, there are consistent principles and approaches that form a common basis for effective monitoring. Volume One, titled A Framework for Monitoring Plans under the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000, begins with definitions and background information. Topics such as restoration, restoration monitoring, estuaries, and the role of socioeconomics in restoration are discussed. In addition, the habitats selected for discussion in this manual are briefly described. (PDF contains 116 pages)

Genetic improvement and utilisation of indigenous tilapia in southern Africa: final technical report, December 1st 1998 to June 31st, 2002

Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is an indigenous tilapia species in southern Africa, until now the majority of genetic research has been carried out on Asian species of tilapia but this project aims to look at this African species. Those most suited to further development in aquaculture in southern Africa have now been identified. The genetic characterisation of strains has been completed. This information has aided the choice of strains for use in small scale aquaculture and for genetically male tilapia (GMT) production. They will form the basis of future strategies for further genetic improvement, and management of genetic diversity of Mozambique tilapia. The information will also contribute towards responsible management and development of genetic resources, particularly with regard to indigenous species of tilapia. Good progress has been made with the adaptation and implementation of producing the supermale fish required to produce all male offspring, resulting in faster growing populations of tilapia. The presence of the project and its associated activity has been a catalyst for a surge in interest in tilapia culture throughout southern Africa. [PDF contains 183 pages]

The Mwanza Stakeholders' Workshop, February 1st - 3rd March, 2001

This book section aims to give an overview of the Stakeholders' Workshop taken at Mwanza (Tanzania) to evaluate the role and potentials of local stakeholders, in relation to the co-management of Lake Victoria's fisheries within the frame of the LVFRP.

Central Area Fisheries Advisory Committee 1st April, 1981

This is the report from the Central Area Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 1st April, 1981. It covers information on Rivers Leven and Kent fish distribution and water quality surveys 1980, authority works on Headwater Beck of the River Hodder and the River Douglas, the annual report on match fishing at Skerton and Mitton fisheries and the report by the area fisheries officer on fisheries activities. This comments on river conditions and fishing, migratory fish movement,an update on Middleton hatchery, salmon cages in Dalton-in-Furness, and Langcliffe hatchery. Finally the report adds about stockings by the authority, fish mortalities, fish disease and the monthy catches of salmon and sea trout for the 1980 season. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

North Cumbria Fisheries Advisory Committee 1st April, 1980.

This is the report from the North Cumbria Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 1st April 1980. The report contains the minutes of previous meetings, draft netting rights on the River Eden, rod an line licence duties, a pipeline project by British Gas Corporation, fisheries byelaw on baiting, and information on a survey of goosanders and mergansers. It also contains the report by the area fisheries officer which looks at river conditions and fishing, general comments on fish stocks at Holmwrangle hatchery, a fish mortality on the River Wiza, salmon spawning and monthly salmon and sea trout catches for the 1979 season. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee 1st February, 1982

This is the report from the Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 1st February, 1982. It includes information on the restructuring of rod and line fishing licence duties, proposed introduction of fishery improvement grant and fishery equipment loan, schemes in 1983. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.