Environmental Indicators are attributes associated with specific ecosystem elements (e.g., water, plants, animals and people) that are used to characterize and communicate the condition of the ecosystem. INDICATOR: SALMON The 2006 Partnership has defined an environmental indicator as a physical, biological, or chemical measurement, statistic or value that provides a proximate gauge or evidence of, the state of the condition of Puget Sound (ESSB 5372) • may inform about the current or evolving state of key ecosystem elements, or • may inform processes or mechanisms that drive ecosystem health
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Environmental Indicators are attributes associated with specific ecosystem elements (e.g., water, plants, animals and people) that are used to characterize.
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Environmental Indicators are attributes associated with specific ecosystem elements (e.g., water, plants, animals and people) that are used to characterize and communicate the condition of the ecosystem.
INDICATOR: SALMON
The 2006 Partnership has defined an environmental indicator as a physical, biological, or chemical measurement, statistic or value that provides a proximate gauge or evidence of, the state of the condition of Puget Sound (ESSB 5372)
• may inform about the current or evolving state of key ecosystem elements, or
• may inform processes or mechanisms that drive ecosystem health
Good environmental indicators are tools to manage ecosystems
To supply informationon environmental
problems,in order to enable
policy-makersto enable their seriousness.
To support policy development
and priority setting by identifying key factors that
causepressure on the
environment
To assess the effects of
policy responses
Environmental indicators may be used as a powerful tool to raise public awareness on environmental issues
to strengthen public support for policy measures
In addition
In relation to policy-making environmental indicators are used for three major purposes:
“Good” indicators
• based on clearly defined goals and objectives and important elements in conceptual models that define key ecosystem structures and functions
• developed and selected in a logical, structured selection process that is scientifically rigorous and transparent
• must have broad regional agreement on the indicator selection criteria/framework
“Good” indicators
• based on clearly defined goals and objectives and important elements in conceptual models that define key ecosystem structures and functions
• developed and selected in a logical, structured selection process that is scientifically rigorous and transparent
• must have broad regional agreement on the indicator selection criteria/framework
… must be understood and of interest to lots of people.
They must tell a story that resonates with the public and policy makers!
Evolution of a PSAMP Indicator1987 PCBs detected in Puget Sound Salmon
No decline in PCBs for last 20 years.
2006 DOH Report: only 1 meal Puget Sound Chinook per
week
Concentration (ug/kg)
0 20 40 60 80
OregonColumbia R.
WA CoastPuget Sound
British ColumbiaSE Alaska
Kenai Puget Sound Chinook 3 to 5 times more contaminated
2008 Hickie et al.Report: PCB levels in Puget Sound salmon are not protective of health of killer whales
Example of how environmental indicators are used in an adaptive management framework
To supply information on environmental problems, in order to enable policy-makersto value their seriousness.
To support policy, development and priority setting by identifying key factors that causepressure on the environment. (May require additional research).
To assess the effects of policy responses
no decline in PCB levels in 20 years
elevated PCB levels in herring, harbor seals, Chinook salmon, and orca whales
consumption advisories for Puget Sound Chinook salmon