1. QAPP development. 2. Calculate N load estimates for a minimum of 50 embayments using a published model which relates land-use in the watershed to the total N load for the embayment. 3. Calculate estimates of the freshwater flushing time for a minimum of 50 embayments using two methods: (1) a modified tidal prism method and (2) a simplified method developed in embayments which relate estuarine length and surface area to freshwater flushing time. 4. Using the output from Objectives 1 & 2, a published model will be used to estimate the dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) concentration in the embayments. This value will be used to quantify the error of the model outputs predicting N load. 5. Field-based evaluation of ten embayments in New York (NY) and Connecticut (CT) for susceptibility to hypoxia and primary producer community composition. 6. Apply field data to indices developed to identify the trophic status of estuaries. We will use two methods: one developed by the EPA and one developed by NOAA. 7. Develop a statistical model using multivariate analysis techniques to relate the calculated N load (#2), fresh water flushing time (#3), and estuarine trophic status (#6). Develop predictions as to which of the unsampled LIS embayments are most likely to experience symptoms of eutrophication. 8. Using the predictions of eutrophication risk for 50 embayments (#7), develop "report cards" for each embayment detailing potential environmental issues and the likeliest causes. These report cards will be presented to the LISS STAC, community groups and other groups who provided data, NY Sea Grant, CT Sea Grant, Citizen's Campaign for the Environment (CT and NY) and Save the Sound / CT Fund for the Environment.

1. Calculate nitrogen loads, dissolved inorganic concentrations in embayment water, and freshwater flushing times from published models. These models require land-use data from GIS databases. 2. Sample ten embayments of Long Island Sound during the hypoxia season (late July - early August) to determine the severity and extent of expression of symptoms of eutrophication. Trophic status will be determined using two different indices developed by EPA and by NOAA. 3. Sample ten embayments of Long Island Sound from docks or shore to determine inorganic nutrient concentrations in order to field verify the model predicting concentrations (Method #1). 4. Deploy temperature sensor to collect year-round temperature data at one station in each embayment, allowing for a cross-system comparison. 5. Deploy oxygen and salinity loggers to identify the time course of hypoxia in the inner sections of embayments during a four-week period in late July - early August, simultaneous deployments allow for a cross-system comparison. 6. Develop a statistical model relating nitrogen load and freshwater flushing time to the eutrophic status of the embayments. 7. Create "report cards" detailing the trophic status predicted based on land use and freshwater flushing time in 50+ embayments of Long Island Sound.

Small coastal embayments are the receiving waters for much of the nitrogen (N) being delivered into Long Island Sound (LIS). While we understand the link between N and eutrophication and predict improved water quality due to nutrient load reductions, our practical knowledge of these small LIS embayments, individually and compared to each other, is still limited. This project will result in N load estimates and freshwater flushing time estimates for a minimum of 50 embayments of LIS, field data on the trophic status of 10 embayments, a statistical model relating N load to trophic status, and an estimate of the trophic status of 50+ embayments of LIS. These results will be of interest to the management community and to stakeholders throughout LIS and can guide efforts to reduce non-point sources of N, address future changes in land-use, and drive decisions on mitigation of eutrophication in embayments.

Results from this study have identified the eutrophic status of embayments in Long Island Sound, estimated the nitrogen load and sources of nitrogen to all embayments of Long Island Sound, and established a list of embayments most likely to be experiencing the impacts of eutrophication. These results have been presented in a variety of forums beyond academia, including the Long Island Sound Study Estuary Program, New York and Connecticut government agencies, local citizen action groups, and advocacy organizations.