Restoring, protecting, and monitoring the Presque Isle Bay Watershed are the goals. Pennsylvania Sea Grant staff and their partners are currently working on a GIS-based plan to ensure that the quality of water and sediment entering Presque Isle Bay from its watershed will not contribute to future impairment of the bay ecosystem. Researchers have completed an inventory, evaluation, and analysis of known information about the bay watershed, including GIS-based information related to watershed characterization. A monitoring effort will begin in spring 2009 and conclude in fall 2009 to collect data on point-source pollution; nonpoint-source pollution; and chemical, physical, and biological data. Staff will use the data to develop restoration and protection priorities for the watershed. Staff members are also in the process of designing a study, which will assess the effect of chemicals and metals associated with streambed sediments. For more information related to this and other watershed efforts: : : Contact Sean Rafferty at sdr138@psu.edu or 814-217-9013. |