The National Aquatic Resource Surveys are statistical surveys implemented as an EPA/State/Tribal partnership providing co-located chemical, physical, and biological data for waters across the U.S. These surveys provide a point in time assessment of the condition, identify the extent of stressors, and track changes over time. The surveys, implemented on a five-year rotating basis, include coastal waters, lakes and reservoirs, rivers and streams, and wetlands. For each survey, EPA selects sampling locations using a statistical survey design and crews use consistent methods to collect data at more than 1,000 sites during a summer index period. There are now more than 20 years of chemical, physical and biological data available. Example data include benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, vegetation, zooplankton, nutrient concentrations, sediment chemistry, soil chemistry, physical habitat measurements, microcystin concentrations, and others. These datasets provide an unparalleled opportunity to conduct scientific research on issues of national importance, analyze patterns and associations among co-located variables, and explore innovative approaches to improve assessments of water quality.
This workshop will showcase the data that are available from the national surveys, how to access them and how to work with the files to prepare for analysis of data across different datasets. Examples of accessing and using data will be provided for attendees at different scales including national, ecoregional, state, local, etc. The workshop will provide examples of how data from the surveys have been used to address important water quality questions. Participants will take part in discussions on how to improve accessibility of datasets for future use. Finally, the co-chairs anticipate that during the workshop participants with their own computers will be able to download data and request assistance in the initial process of preparing for their own analyses.
Attendee Preparation: View the NARS data webpage at https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys/data-national-aquatic-resource-surveys and other background information on NARS at https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys
Presenters
Donny Benkendorf, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (ORISE)
Sarah Lehmann, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Gregg Serenbetz, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Garrett Stillings, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency