RE: [LIST-CERF] Calling attention to CERF Session 0480-000084 Upstream inputs and estuarine vulnerability

[REILLY, Francis J.]

This email is to draw your attention to the upcoming CERF meeting and in particular the session I am trying to put together regarding upstream inputs to estuaries.  I am looking for a few good proposed abstracts for this session.  Although it is listed under the general rubric “Physical”, in fact it is a resource oriented session that is open for those of us working upstream of the estuaries.  Please consider an abstract submission to Session: Upstream inputs and estuarine vulnerability 0480-000084.

Session Description:

Earlier this year (2014) there was significant press coverage of the release of Colorado River water to allow the Colorado River flow to reach the estuary in the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). Few realize the significance of this release during a record-breaking drought in the southwest. Even fewer realize the participation of regulatory agencies in two nations (The US and Mexico) and participation of scientists and NGOs in the formulation of the plan that has become known as Minute 319 of the International Boundary and Water Commission. While the Colorado is one of the most flow-altered rivers in North America, it is far from being the only river with significant alteration to fresh-water flow that influences estuaries. The Rio Grande has in the past, and regularly continues to fail to supply any fresh-water to its estuary at Brownsville TX/Matamoros MX. These drastic examples in the west point out the future in other rivers. Compounding the issues are a hodgepodge of compacts, regulations, and the concept that water is a fungible commodity (real property) in several states. Practices, policies, laws and regulations far upstream of estuaries determine the health of the estuary. This session will have presenters that are a part of the Colorado River release experiment, as well as presenters involved in practices upstream that ultimately determine the input of fresh-water, and health of estuaries. As climate changes tax water resources, and change the periodicity of fresh-water flow, and competing needs become realized, it will become more important than ever for managers of estuarine resources to understand what occurs upstream, and to vie for a seat at the table of stakeholders dealing with water management.

 

 

If interested, please consider submitting an abstract to this session. CERF’s deadline for abstract submissions is May 1.

http://www.erf.org/call-for-abstracts

 

Francis Reilly

Senior Consultant, Research Fellow
LMI
7940 Jones Branch Drive
Tysons, VA 22102
Office: (571)633-7638

Cell: (540)455-1452

 

 

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