WRD of New Hampshire and Vermont - Freshwater Ecology Studies

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Sixty years of Freshwater Ecology Studies Inventoried as Part of New England Water Quality

Published references on freshwater ecology for a 23,000-square mile region of New England are inventoried in a recently released report by the U.S. Geological Survey. More than 150 scientific references from 1933-1997 that related to freshwater systems (such as a river, stream, lake, or pond) and ecological subjects (such as algae, fish, macroinvertebrates, fish tissue and sediment contamination, and habitats) were selected for the inventory.

The inventory covers the New England Coastal Basins National Water-Quality Assessment study area. The study area includes the Kennebec River in Maine, Androscoggin, Saco, and Merrimack Rivers in New Hampshire, the Charles, Blackstone, and Taunton Rivers in Massachusetts, and the Pawcatuck River in Rhode Island. The list also is divided by ecoregions--Northeastern Highlands, Northeastern Coastal Zone, or Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens, by state and by river basin.

This report provides scientists with an efficient means to quickly identify previous or ongoing studies in a particular geographic area, identify references reporting the known status of biological communities and contaminant conditions, and identify scientists with a working knowledge of the area and issues. The list was compiled using computer software designed to create a useful library database.

The USGS National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program is designed to describe the status and trends in the quality of the nation's ground- and surface-water resources and to provide a sound understanding of the natural and human factors that affect the quality of these resources. As part of the program, investigations will be conducted in 59 areas-- called "study units"-- throughout the nation to provide a framework for national and regional water-quality assessment. Regional and national synthesis of information from study units will consist of comparative studies of specific water-quality issues using nationally consistent information.

As the nation's largest water, earth and biological science, and civilian mapping agency, the USGS works in cooperation with more than 2,000 organizations across the country to provide reliable, impartial, scientific information to resource managers, planners, and other customers. Impartial information is gathered in every state by USGS scientists to minimize the loss of life and property from natural disasters, contribute to the sound conservation, economic and physical development of the nation's natural resources, and enhance the quality of life by monitoring water, biological, energy, and mineral resources.

The Open-File Report 99-467 titled "Inventory of selected freshwater-ecology studies from the New England Coastal Basins in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island" by Steven Tessler and others can be ordered by calling 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747). Copies also are available for viewing at state and university libraries and at the New Hampshire/Vermont District office, 361 Commerce Way, Pembroke, NH 03275. For additional information, contact the Public Information Coordinator at (603) 226-7837.

* * * USGS * * *

Address:

New Hampshire/Vermont District

361 Commerce Way
Pembroke, NH 03275

Released: 2/14/2000

General Contact: Debra Foster
Phone: (603) 226-7837
Email: dhfoster@usgs.gov

Technical Contact: Keith Robinson
Phone: (603) 226-7809
Email: kwrobins@usgs.gov

Editors note:

In-depth information about USGS water-quality projects in New England may be found on the New Hampshire/Vermont District web site at: http://nh.water.usgs.gov.