McFarlane RW2010-02-152010-02-151993http://hdl.handle.net/1969.3/22749-The goal of the project was development of a set of habitat-based, problem-oriented, nested, hierarchical, box-and-arrow conceptual models tiered to three levels of complexity. (1) Simple, nontechnical models that facilitate understanding of important issues by the public focus on the landscape approach and provide an overview of the ecosystem. (2) Complex detailed models that reflect scientific consensus describe the structure, function and connectivity of the habitat components of the ecosystem and its connections to adjacent habitats. (3) Simple technical models useful to decision-makers, resource managers and bay users describe the interconnectedness of the ecosystem247D Ocean Sciences & Technology: Biological Oceanography48B Natural Resources & Earth Sciences: Natural Resource Management57H Medicine & Biology: EcologyAquatic ecosystemsBenthosBiological communitiesCoastal ecologyCoastal watersCoastal zone managementConservationDallasEnvironmental protectionEstuariesEstuarine environmentFlood plainsGalvestonGalveston bayGalveston Bay National Estuary ProgramGulf CoastHabitatHabitatsInterconnectednessIntertidal areasMan environment interactionsMarshesModelsNational Estuary ProgramNatural resource conservationNatural resources managementNearshore waterReefsResource conservationSpatial variationsTexasUnited StatesReport