Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) and Tiered Aquatic Life Uses (TALU)
The Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) provides a powerful
scientific model that describes changes in fish, invertebrate and periphyton
assemblages caused by the effects of human disturbance. The BCG also provides
the conceptual and technical foundation for a powerful water resource management
paradigm that may effectively drive waterbodies up to their highest achievable
biological condition. Consideration of biological, physical, chemical, and
hydrological data in the context of the BCG allows scientists and managers to
strategically address the following questions: What is the current condition of
this waterbody?, What is its highest achievable goal condition?, What are the
actions needed to protect/restore it to maintain/attain its goal condition?, Did
the actions taken achieve the desired results, in terms of optimal biological
outcome? Several State monitoring programs that are based upon sound
applications of BCG-based biocriteria are producing more effective and
innovative water resource management approaches to prevent and to solve
biological problems. These innovations include Best Management Practices
designed to reduce the detrimental effects of impervious cover, in order to
achieve an improved target biological outcome; evolution of progressive state
landuse and shoreland protection rules designed to maintain existing high
biological quality in streams subjected to land use alteration; and tiered
aquatic life use (TALU) standards that trigger Clean Water Act anti-degradation
provisions in very high quality waters when biological decline is predicted.
Highly technical biological assessment and stressor information can be readily
grasped by upper management and the public due to the clarity and simplicity of
the general conceptual model. The BCG is an invaluable communication and
learning resource that adds value to all aspects of the biological management of
water quality.
Fisheries professionals provide a valuable resource for State
or regional biotic data and should be interested and involved in the BCG
development. The webinar will provide a primer on the subject with examples of
State applications and will close with a survey of interest for further
exploration on the topic.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity and we look forward
to your participation.
We thank the in-kind and financial support from the
following:
