Session Lead: Qian Zhang (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science / USEPA Chesapeake Bay Program)
Co-Lead(s): James Webber (U.S. Geological Survey), Rebecca Murphy (University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science / USEPA Chesapeake Bay Program), Kaylyn Gootman (USEPA Chesapeake Bay Program)
Session Format: Oral presentations
Session Description:
Restoration of complex aquatic ecosystems such as Chesapeake Bay requires sustained collaboration between the science and management communities. Alongside advances in monitoring and modeling, there is a growing need for novel analytical approaches to extract new insights from data and for effective communication strategies that translate science into actionable guidance. Sustaining progress in a rapidly changing natural and human environment demands tools that can link diverse datasets and models to better explain ecosystem responses to environmental drivers and management actions. This session focuses on the development of innovative approaches for analyzing, interpreting, and communicating results in ways that directly support management. Examples include applications of advanced statistical and mechanistic methods, as well as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Contributions are also invited that highlight science communication strategies designed to transform monitoring and model-based findings into actionable information for the management community. This is Part II of two connected sessions organized by the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Integrated Trends Analysis Team.