Office of Wetlands, 

Oceans and Watersheds

2008 Annual Report
2

Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008 Annual Report

 

Dear Colleagues, Friends and Partners:

First of all, I want to thank all of our partners, including federal agencies, state, tribal and local governments, the private sector and academia who played a role in the many milestones presented in our annual report. 

We cannot take credit for these accomplishments without acknowledging your invaluable contributions.

With the beginning of a new Administration and the promise of new directions and possibilities, EPA’s Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) will also be looking to the future. Our new EPA Administrator, Lisa Jackson, has outlined three fundamental values: science-based policies and programs, adherence to the rule 

of law, and transparency. OWOW embraces these principles and looks forward to working with our new leadership 

to make them a reality here at EPA.

In the coming year, OWOW will continue to advance strategies to reduce nutrients, which are a leading 

cause of pollution in our rivers, lakes, wetlands and estuaries. With the release of the new Gulf Hypoxia Action 

Plan in 2008, we have outlined an ambitious strategy to help combat hypoxia. Another priority will be to prevent 

healthy watersheds from becoming degraded. While we have invested heavily in the past decade and made significant progress in cleaning up impaired waterbodies, we must also look to protect those waterbodies that meet 

standards and support a diversity of aquatic life. And finally, we will continue to work closely with the Corps of 

Engineers on policies related to the “Waters of the U.S.” and strive to achieve a net increase of wetlands with a 

greater focus on biological functions.

I encourage my staff, as well as our external partners, to explore ways to leverage the great work that we 

do. We need to build upon and expand our partnerships with our sister federal agencies and to work more closely 

with our state partners to ensure that our programs deliver even better environmental performance for the American public. Clean water is everyone’s business. And everyone must do his or her part to protect this precious and 

finite natural resource.

I look forward to working with each of you as we strive together to achieve our goals for clean water and 

healthy ecosystems in 2009.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Schwartz, Acting Director

Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds

Note from the Acting Director
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Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2007 Annual Report

About the Office of Wetlands, Oceans and 

Watersheds (OWOW)

OWOW is one of five offices in the Office 

of Water at EPA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The office provides leadership, policy direction, and financial support to 

our 10 regional offices and to the states, tribes 

and territories that implement our programs. 

We also work collaboratively with our sister EPA 

offices, other federal agencies, as well as with 

local governments, the private sector and nonprofit organizations to carry out our mission to 

protect and restore the aquatic ecosystems of our 

marine and fresh waters.

In addition to our Clean Water Act authorities, 

the office has authorities under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (Ocean 

Dumping), Coastal Zone Management Act, 

National Environmental Policy Act and several 

other environmental statutes.

OWOW Programs and Initiatives

•	 National Estuary Program

•	 Dredged Material Management

•	 Ocean Dumping

•	 Marine Debris

•	 Control of Vessel Discharges

•	 Ocean Monitoring and the Ocean Survey 

Vessel Bold

•	 National Water Quality Inventory

•	 National Aquatic Resource Surveys

•	 Volunteer Monitoring

•	 Nonpoint Source Program

•	 Wetlands Permitting

•	 Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)

•	 Five-Star Restoration Program

•	 Wetland Program Development Grants

•	 Targeted Watersheds Grants

•	 Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program (new in 2009)

For more information about OWOW, 

visit epa.gov/owow

 2008 Highlights 

Hypoxia Action Plan: An updated Hypoxia Action Plan, released in June 2008, sets the stage to 

combat the “dead zone” in the Gulf of Mexico. 

The plan, which followed a scientific reassessment 

of the 2001 Action Plan, includes 11 actions designed to reduce, mitigate and control hypoxia.

Wetland Protection and Restoration: OWOW and 

its partners improved and/or restored more than 

82,000 acres of wetlands in Fiscal Year 2008. Major 

contributions came from the National Estuary Program, the Five-Star Restoration Program and the 

§319 Nonpoint Source Program.

Yazoo Section 404(c) Veto: In 2008, EPA exercised 

one of the strongest legal authorities available for 

wetlands protection under the Clean Water Act 

when it completed a §404(c) veto of the Yazoo 

Backwater Pumps project in the Mississippi Delta, 

protecting more than 67,000 acres of vital wetlands.

Wetlands Guidance: In 2008, EPA and the U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers issued revised guidance 

on the scope of “Waters of the U.S.,” providing 

further clarifications on the Supreme Court’s decision in Rapanos vs. the United States.

National Aquatic Surveys: 2008 marked the 

completion of the first year of field sampling for 

the National Rivers and Streams Assessment, 

along with extensive lab and analytical work for 

the National Lakes Assessment. Together with 

upcoming surveys of wetlands and coastal waters, 

these ambitious national assessments will provide 

statistically valid data on the condition of the nation’s aquatic resources.

Watershed Protection and Restoration: Thanks 

to efforts involving EPA and numerous partners, 

more than 2,000 waterbodies, identified as impaired in 2002, now meet water quality standards. 

In addition, more than 9,000 Total Maximum Daily 

Loads (i.e., impaired water cleanup plans) were 

completed in 2008, including 314 in the Mississippi 

Basin.

New Partnerships: OWOW launched new partnerships with federal land management agencies 

to accelerate the cleanup of impaired waters on 

federal lands.
Chapter One: Protecting and Restoring Water Quality on a Watershed Basis (5)

Chapter Two: Protecting and Restoring Wetlands and Natural Habitats (10)

Chapter Three: Protecting and Restoring Oceans and Coasts (14)

Chapter Four: Addressing Global Climate Change in Coastal Communities (17)

Chapter Five: Improving Monitoring and Assessment (19)

Chapter Six: Improving Environmental Performance 

and Program Management (22)

In this report...
Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2007 Annual Report

Protecting and Restoring Water Quality 

on a Watershed Basis

Although tremendous progress has been made in cleaning up the nation’s waters since the passage 

of the landmark 1972 Clean Water Act (CWA), many challenges remain. An estimated 40 percent 

of the waters assessed by the states fail to meet state water quality standards. Low-oxygen or 

“dead zones”— caused by excessive amounts of nutrients — plague many waters, including the Gulf of 

Mexico, the Chesapeake Bay and other important estuaries. Stormwater runoff from farms, lawns and 

cities is now a leading cause of impairment. Unlike factory discharges from pipes and sewage treatment 

plants, these discharges are much more difficult to control and require a more holistic, watershed-based 

approach. 

In 2008, OWOW strengthened capacity at the state and local level to accelerate the cleanup of polluted waterbodies through a number of its statutory programs and initiatives, including the Total Maximum Daily 

Load (TMDL) Program and §319 Nonpoint Source Program. To address hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico, a 

new plan was announced to help reduce and control major sources of pollution that sometimes originate 

thousands of miles upstream. OWOW also launched new partnerships with other federal agencies to 

restore impaired waters on federal lands, which comprise a large percent of the nation’s land area. And 

finally, OWOW advanced low impact development (LID) and other innovative approaches to stormwater 

management through numerous partnerships and a demonstration project at EPA Headquarters.

CHAPTER ONE

A Watershed Approach

A Watershed Approach is the most effective framework to address today’s complex water resource challenges. 

The approach:

•	 Is hydrologically-defined,geographically-focused

•	 Includes all stressors (air and water)

•	 Involves all stakeholders, including public (federal, state, local) and private sector

•	 Is community-based 

•	 Includes a coordinating framework

•	 Strategically addresses priority water resource goals (e.g. water quality, habitat) 

•	 Integrates multiple programs (regulatory and voluntary) 

•	 Is based on sound science 
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Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008 Annual Report

The newly redesigned Task Force Web site, 

www.epa.gov/msbasin, serves as a resource for partners 

and stakeholders. 

2008 Gulf Hypoxia Plan Focuses on Nutrient Reductions and Accountability 

Hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico continues 

to garner national attention. An article in 

Science reported over 400 hypoxic zones 

worldwide, and the zone in the Gulf ranks second 

largest in the world at 20,720 square kilometers. 

To move forward on this pressing national concern, in June 2008, the interagency Mississippi 

River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task 

Force, chaired by EPA’s Office of Water, published 

the Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan 2008 after completing a scientific reassessment of the 2001 Action 

Plan. The 2008 Action Plan contains 11 actions 

designed to reduce, mitigate and control hypoxia 

in the Northern Gulf of Mexico and improve water 

quality throughout the Mississippi River Basin. 

Critical improvements include:

1) A focus on state-led nutrient reduction 

strategies.

2) A complementary action to develop and 

implement federal strategies.

3) An outreach plan to engage stakeholders 

and build partnerships. 

In addition, the Action Plan increases accountability and specificity through an Annual Operating 

Plan that provides mechanisms for maintaining 

progress and tracking results. The first of five to 

guide the Task Force, the 2008 Annual Operating 

Plan is a compilation of actions that the various 

state and federal members of the Task Force took 

in FY 2008 to implement the Action Plan.

The OWOW Director leads the Task Force Coordinating Committee and EPA’s Hypoxia Team in 

implementing the Action 

Plan with support from 

five federal and ten state 

partners. A major focus 

is the development of 

EPA’s nutrient reduction 

strategy. The four main 

objectives include: 

•	 Employing innovative uses of Clean 

Water Act programs and tools. 

•	 Supporting the adoption of state numeric 

nutrient standards and criteria. 

•	 Enhancing environmental priorities in agricultural program implementation.

•	 Improving and utilizing hydrologic models 

to identify watersheds within the Basin with 

the highest loadings of nitrogen and phosphorus

(Contact: Kristen Goodrich, 202-566-1284)

Sediment loads empty into the Gulf from the

Atchafalaya River Basin.
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Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008Annual Report

OWOW works with EPA’s Office of Wastewater Management and 

other partners to promote low impact development (LID) approaches to prevent and mitigate the effects of urban runoff and 

stormwater. LID practices, including green roofs, rain gardens, vegetated 

swales and porous pavers, can reduce the harmful effects of stormwater 

runoff on downstream receiving waters. The goal is to mimic the natural 

way water moves through an area prior to development by using design 

techniques and strategies that infiltrate, evaporate and reuse runoff close to 

its source. 

In January 2008, OWOW published "Reducing Costs through Low 

Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices" and made numerous presentations at conferences to advertise the findings – that LID 

typically saves communities and developers money while protecting 

water quality. Working with the signatories of the "Green Infrastructure Statement of Intent" (2007), OWOW continues to promote these practices 

through an LID Best Management Practices Effectiveness database, LID costing tools, LID models, guidance documents, fact sheets and other products. 

On EPA’s Green Infrastructure Web site, www.epa.gov/greeninfrastructure, 

OWOW co-funded a Municipal Handbook Series to provide local governments 

with information on funding options, retrofit policies, green streets and rainwater harvesting programs. (Contacts: Robert Goo, 202-566-1201; Don Waye, 202-

566-1170 or Anne Weinberg, 202-566-1217) 

Large cisterns in the basement of EPA 

West collect rainwater as part of EPA’s 

LID demonstration project.

100 Nonpoint Source Successes Documented

OWOW exceeded EPA’s commitment to partially or fully restore 91 

waterbodies, achieving its fiscal year 2008 strategic plan measure. 

In November 2008, OWOW posted its 100th restored waterbody 

success story to the Nonpoint Source Web site at www.epa.gov/np/success. 

The definition of success is strict: to qualify, a previously impaired waterbody that had been included on the Clean Water Act’s (CWA’s) §303(d) 

list of polluted waters must have subsequently achieved water quality standards for one or more pollutants and/or designated uses. Further, the water 

quality improvement must have been as a result of addressing nonpoint 

source pollution through actual restoration efforts. 

These successes span 34 states and the District of Columbia, with many states documenting multiple successes. In the vast majority of cases, restoration was at least partially funded by the CWA’s §319 Nonpoint Source Management Program. Under §319, states, territories and tribes receive grant money that supports 

a wide variety of restoration, educational and monitoring activities. (Contacts: Andrea Matzke, 202-566-1150 or 

Jenny Biddle, 202-566-1281)

Reducing Costs through Low Impact 

Development (LID) shows how LID can protect water quality and save money!

OWOW Promotes Low Impact Development for Cities and Developers
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Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008 Annual Report

New Document Helps States Clean up Waters Impaired by Air-Deposited Mercury

I

n Sept. 2008, OWOW released “TMDLs Where Mercury Loadings are Predominantly from Air 

Deposition,”a document to assist states in developing watershed-based cleanup plans (TMDLs) for mercury-impaired 

waters under CWA §303(d). A Total Maximum Daily Load, or 

TMDL, is a calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant 

that a waterbody can receive and still safely meet water quality 

standards (i.e., a “pollution budget”). Also referred to as a mercury TMDL “checklist,” the document helps ensure that states 

follow existing EPA guidance. The document also provides factors for states to consider when developing TMDLs at different 

geographic scales (i.e., waterbody, regional and interstate), building on successful approaches. This effort is part of EPA’s multipronged approach to accelerate the clean up of mercury-impaired 

waters. Presently, more than 8,500 water bodies in 43 states and 

Puerto Rico are listed as impaired due to mercury. EPA, the states 

and other stakeholders have been working to determine how 

best to address this challenging problem, particularly where the 

primary source of the mercury is atmospheric deposition. 

Although state water programs have tools for addressing mercury discharges from water sources under the CWA, they need to work closely with air, waste and toxics programs to address other sources. 

The mix of long-distance and local sources makes it difficult in some waterbodies to achieve water 

quality standards. However, progress is being made —more than 6,600 waterbodies in 26 states and 

the District of Columbia now have approved mercury TMDLs. In addition, a number of states are 

moving ahead to address mercury sources within their control through comprehensive mercury reduction programs. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/mercury/. (Contact: Ruth 

Chemerys, 202-566-1216)

Cumulative Number of Impaired Water Clean-up Plans 

(TMDLs) Completed since 1996
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Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008Annual Report

Federal Agency Partnerships Accelerate Restoration Efforts on Impaired Waters

The federal government owns about 672 million acres—close to 30 percent—of the 2.27 billion acres of land in the United States. Four agencies administer about 94 percent of these federal lands, including the United States Forest Service (USFS) (28.7 percent), United States 

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (14.2 percent), National Park Service (11.8 percent) and Bureau 

of Land Management (38.9 percent). Recognizing a tremendous opportunity to enhance watershed restoration efforts, OWOW initiated new partnerships with land management agencies. 

These efforts complement the missions of the agencies and support several statutory mandates. 

As a first step, OWOW worked with the agencies to determine the extent of impaired waters and 

identify leading causes of pollution. For example, a 2005 analysis showed that about eight percent 

of all water quality impairments nationally are on or near National Forest System lands. Leading 

causes of impairments include elevated temperatures, excess sediment and habitat modification. 

As a direct response to this finding, EPA’s Office of Water and the USFS signed a Memorandum 

of Agreement in September 2007 to address polluted waters on NFS lands (www.epa.gov/owow/

tmdl/usfsepamoa). In 2008, as part of first-year actions, OWOW and USFS initiated multiple pilot 

projects in five states to advance innovative watershed cleanup plans or Total Maximum Daily 

Loads (TMDLs) and TMDL alternative approaches that address the leading causes of impairments.

In 2008, OWOW began a national assessment with the USFWS and U.S. Geological Survey to 

identify the extent and type of impairments in or near National Wildlife Refuges, Hatcheries, 

Waterfowl Protection Areas and Wetland Management Districts. Assessments of impaired waters 

on military properties have been provided to the Department of Defense. OWOW also partnered 

with the Office of Surface Mining, USFWS and states in identifying where abandoned mine lands, 

impaired waters and fisheries intersect in the middle Atlantic region to better coordinate all the 

agencies’ restoration programs. Discussions with other agencies are now underway to build on 

more successful partnerships. (Contact: Eric Monschein, 202-566-1547 or Doug Norton, 202-566-

1221)

 Impaired Waters on National Forest System 

Lands (2005)
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Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008 Annual Report

Protecting and Restoring Wetlands and 

Natural Habitats

CHAPTER TWO

Protecting, sustaining and restoring the health of natural habitats and aquatic ecosystems is a major 

objective in EPA’s Strategic Plan. As part of this goal, the Agency is committed to increasing the 

quantity and quality of wetlands, which play a vital role in fish and wildlife habitat, along with 

other critical functions and values. Wetlands also filter pollutants, recharge water supplies and reduce 

flood risks. In addition, wetlands provide recreational opportunities, aesthetic benefits and places for 

research and education. 

OWOW Programs that Support Wetlands and Habitat Goals

The Five-Star Restoration Program

The Five-Star Restoration Program brings together students, conservation corps, other youth groups, 

citizen groups, corporations, landowners and government agencies to provide environmental education 

and training through projects that restore wetlands and streams. The program provides challenge grants, 

technical support and opportunities for information exchange to enable community-based restoration 

projects. Funding levels are modest, from $5,000 to $20,000. However, when combined with the 

contributions of partners, projects that make a meaningful contribution to communities become possible.

The National Estuary Program

The National Estuary Program (NEP) is a very successful community-based program designed to restore 

and maintain the ecological integrity of estuaries of national significance. There are 28 NEPs, each with 

a director and staff, working with local stakeholders to improve the health of their estuary — its waters, 

habitats and living resources.

The Tampa Bay National Estuary 

Program involves the community in a 

coastal restoration effort.
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Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008Annual Report

Clean Water Act §404 Program

Clean Water Act §404 establishes a permit program to regulate discharges of dredged or fill material into 

waters, including wetlands, of the United States. §404 outlines specific and coordinated responsibilities for 

both EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). EPA is required, in conjunction with the Corps, to 

establish environmental standards for reviewing permit applications for activities that would fill wetlands for 

residential development, roads, levees, and other projects. 

The Corps administers the permit program, processing applications in accordance with EPA and Corps’ environmental standards, and issuing permits, where appropriate, after notice and an opportunity for public comment. Both EPA and the Corps have enforcement responsibility and routinely coordinate the review of permit 

applications to ensure that permit decisions are made in a timely manner, while providing effective protection 

for human health and environmental quality.

National Fish Habitat Action Plan Leverages New Partners

For the past two years, OWOW has staffed EPA’s participation in the National Fish Habitat Action Plan (NFHAP) and fostered EPA collaboration in several NFHAP regional 

partnerships. NFHAP is a comprehensive national, public/private partnering strategy created by USFWS to assess, restore and 

protect the nation’s fish habitats and maximize the impact of fish 

habitat conservation dollars on the ground, all to safeguard the 

economic value of fisheries as well as the interests of the 32 million Americans who fish each year. Under NFHAP, numerous 

federal agencies, states and private interests are building regional 

partnerships that are addressing the nation’s biggest fish habitat problems and maintaining the benefits 

of fish resources. During 2008, private interests in NFHAP successfully introduced draft fish habitat 

legislation, and federal participants drafted a proposed executive order and a national assessment of 

fish habitat. (Contact: Doug Norton, 202-566-1221)

EPA and Corps Issue Revised Guidance Clarifying “Waters of the United States”

I

n December 2008, EPA and the Corps issued revised guidance clarifying the scope of “waters of the 

United States” protected under the CWA §404 program. This guidance replaces guidance issued in 

2007, which followed the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Rapanos vs. United States. After the 2007 

guidance was issued, EPA received more than 66,000 public comments. OWOW coordinated review 

and summary of those public comments, along with an analysis of field experiences to make conclusions and clarifications on three key issues. As a result, the revised Rapanos Guidance further clarifies 

the concepts of traditional navigable waters and adjacency, and refines the concept of a relevant reach. 

Based on initial feedback, the revised guidance will increase consistency and speed of CWA jurisdictional determinations. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/guidance/CWAwaters.html. (Contact: Donna Downing, 202-566-1367)
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Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008 Annual Report

The new wetlands rule will improve compensatory 

mitigation when wetlands are drained or filled.

Yazoo CWA 404(c) Veto Protects More Than 67,000 Acres of Mississippi Wetlands 

I

n 2008, EPA exercised one of the strongest legal authorities available for wetlands protection under 

the CWA when it issued a §404(c) veto of the Yazoo Backwater Pumps project in the Mississippi 

Delta. Under the CWA, EPA can prohibit, restrict or deny using waters of the United States as a 

disposal site for fill material when it determines it will have an unacceptable effect on municipal water 

supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas, wildlife or recreational areas. The Yazoo Pumps §404(c) Final 

Determination, signed in August, 2008, will protect over 67,000 acres of some of the nation’s most valuable water resources, including critical fish and wildlife habitat. EPA concluded that the proposed project would have resulted in unacceptable damage to these valuable resources that are used for wildlife, 

economic and recreational purposes. EPA has used this CWA authority only 12 times since the law was 

passed in 1972. (Contact: Tanya Code, 202-566-1063)

New Mitigation Rule Focuses on Science, Innovation and Ecological Resultss

I

n March, 2008, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) issued revised regulations 

governing compensatory mitigation for authorized impacts to wetlands, streams and other 

waters of the U.S. under §404 of the Clean Water Act. 

These regulations are designed to improve the effectiveness of compensatory mitigation to replace lost 

aquatic resource functions and area, expand public 

participation in compensatory mitigation decision 

making and increase the efficiency and predictability 

of the mitigation project review process. In addition, 

the new wetlands compensatory mitigation standards 

emphasize best available science, promote innovation 

and focus on results. This rule follows the recommendations of the National Research Council by establishing equivalent, effective standards for all forms of 

wetland replacement projects under the Clean Water 

Act. (Contact: Palmer Hough, 202-566-1374)

Girl Scout Water Drop Patch Project Receives a Facelift

In March 2008, OWOW partnered with the Girl Scouts of the USA to update and reprint the popular 

Water Drop Patch Project. The patch manual now aligns to the new Girl Scout Leadership Experience. 

It is divided into grade-level, age-appropriate activities suitable for adult’s use with Girl Scout Brownies 

through Ambassadors (grades 2-12). New and expanded girl-led, learning by 

doing and cooperative learning activities help Girl Scouts discover, connect and 

take action. This project is nationally recognized under Linking Girls to the 

Land (LGTTL). Thanks to LGTTL, 35,000 girls each year work collaboratively 

with federal natural resource agencies.To obtain more information, visit www.

epa.gov/adopt/patch. Free copies of the manual can be ordered by calling the 

National Service Center for Environmental Protection at 1-800-490-9198. 

Ask for EPA document #EPA 840-B-07-001. Patches can be ordered from the 

GSUSA online store or at Girl Scout council shops. (Contact: Patty Scott, 

202-566-1292)
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Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008Annual Report

OWOW Leads the Way in Web 2.0 

OWOW has been exploring the use of new 

Web-based tools to help communicate 

information and news about our programs to our partners and to the public. In 2008, 

OWOW proved to be at the forefront of the latest 

trends in Web technology. 

RSS Feeds Provide Real-Time Updates 

Whenever OWOW posts a significant 

new addition to its homepage, an 

RSS feed informs all of our subscribers. Anyone can elect to receive these updates in real-time. OWOW also started a Twitter account, 

where people can have updates sent to their cell phones or other Webenabled devices. In the first two months, ninety people followed our 

Twitter updates (twitter.com/usepaowow). 

OWOW created a “Find Your Watershed” widget that anyone can put 

into their own blog or Web page. By adding this widget to a Web page, 

visitors to that page can type in their zip code and immediately find a 

wealth of information about their watershed generated by EPA’s Surf 

Your Watershed database. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/

owow.

EPA Celebrates Ten Years of Wetlands Protection and Enhancement under Five-Star Grant 

Program

OWOW made a renewed commitment to community-based wetlands and stream restoration in 

2008 by releasing a new grant for the Five-Star Wetlands Restoration Program. This marks the 

tenth year of OWOW support for Five-Star, which has restored over 23,000 acres of aquatic 

resources (wetlands, dunes and estuaries) and 130 miles of streams by engaging over 21,000 community 

volunteers. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and its partners will administer the program by 

providing small grants to community-based partnerships that restore wetlands and stream corridors, 

educate youth about their environment and foster local stewardship of water resources. With this new 

4-year grant cycle, EPA is adopting a number of enhancements to strengthen the Five-Star program. 

These include encouraging grantees to develop sustainability plans to maintain restoration efforts 

over time, making it easier for grantees to share best practices and lessons learned, offering assistance 

for grantees in developing partnerships in a strategic manner, providing greater flexibility in funding 

amounts and project duration, and finding ways to develop the technical capacity of project teams. 

With these enhancements, the Five-Star program will provide even more inspiration for catalyzing local 

action and education. (Contact: Myra Price, 202-566-1225)
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Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008 Annual Report

Protecting and Restoring 

Oceans and Coasts

CHAPTER THREE

Keeping our ocean and coastal waters clean and safe is an important part of OWOW’s mission. 

OWOW has a number of marine pollution prevention programs 

to ensure marine ecosystem health, including improving water 

quality on a watershed basis. In addition to the National Estuary Program, the agency’s flagshap watershed protection program, OWOW 

works to assess and reduce the air deposition of nutrients and toxic pollutants into coastal waters, a leading cause of water body impairments. 

With ever-increasing pressures on coastal resources from development 

and growth, OWOW is working with communities to promote smart 

growth and low impact development.

OWOW works with a variety of stakeholders to develop and implement 

watershed management tools, strategies and plans for coastal 

ecosystems in order to restore and maintain the health of coastal aquatic 

communities on a priority basis, including promotion of dredged material 

management and beneficial uses in a watershed context. In addition, 

as part of the Coral Reef Task Force, OWOW works to protect coral reef 

ecosystems using a watershed protection framework. 

OWOW operates the Ocean Survey Vessel Bold to monitor coastal and ocean waters by conducting 

baseline trends and assessments (e.g., Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone, climate change indicators, and 

coral reefs) and supporting ocean disposal site management. OWOW is responsible for developing the 

environmental criteria used in determining whether dredged material is suitable for ocean disposal. 

Our office works closely with our partners to improve dredged material management planning and 

provide guidances to promote environmental stewardship in U.S. ports. Significant environmental 

impacts to coastal and ocean ecosystems can occur from vessel discharges, and vessels can serve as 

a vector for non-indigenous species. OWOW is also developing and implementing regulations and 

technical guidance to control pollutants from vessels and is working in conjunction with our federal 

and state partners to address aquatic invasive species both domestically and internationally. Finally, 

our office supports international marine protection programs with other federal agencies through 

negotiations of international standards that address aquatic invasive species, harmful antifoulants, bilge 

water, dumping of wastes at sea and marine debris.

OWOW promotes the use of pumpouts 

and “no discharge zones” to help 

control pollutants from vessels. 
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Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008Annual Report

National Estuary Program Advances Water Quality Protection 

Efforts in 28 Coastal Communities

The NEPs successfully leveraged EPA §320 grant money to support the implementation of 

Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans (CCMPs). These community-based watershed plans help address priority issues. Examples include:

•	 Reducing pollutants from stormwater runoff. 

•	 Protecting and restoring important habitat (e.g., revegetation, mapping critical areas and working to protect manatees, salmon and other wildlife). 

•	 Developing web-based tools and strategies for habitat protection.

•	 Using partnership dollars to leverage funds for restoration projects. 

•	 Adopting long-range finance plans.

•	 Engaging business entities in conservation practices.

•	 Conducting third-party permit review of local water districts and State Department of Transportation agencies.

•	 Developing action plans to address groundwater and surface water use. 

•	 Updating CCMPs to address biological production loss resulting from water 

diversions and invasive species. 

•	 Promoting smart growth and green infrastructure concepts and tools.

•	 Providing minority high school students with hands-on field and laboratory 

experiences in NEP study areas.

•	 Developing education and outreach products such as newsletters, calendars 

and Web sites.

Earth GaugeTM Delivers Environmental Information on TV Weather Reports

Earth GaugeTM, a free environmental newsletter produced by the National Environmental Education 

Foundation and funded in part by OWOW, now reaches more than 175 broadcast meteorologists in 102 

media markets, reaching over 211 million local television viewers. Earth GaugeTM is designed to make it 

easy for weathercasters to explain the environmental implications of weather events and what viewers 

can do to help protect their watersheds. Other Water offices are now engaged and providing tips on 

water efficiency and other issues. For more information, visit www.epa/gov/owow/watershed/weather. 

(Contact: Patty Scott, 202-566-1292)
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Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008 Annual Report

EPA Strengthens Ocean Dumping Management

Owow completed a number of major steps in 2008 

to improve ocean dumping management. In June, 

EPA submitted to Congress a package of legislative changes to the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act to support ratification of the London Protocol, 

an international ocean dumping treaty. With the U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers, EPA completed the first draft 

of the consolidated Ocean Disposal and Inland Testing 

Manuals to promote consistency and improve management of dredged material disposal programs. As co-chair 

of the National Dredging Team (NDT), EPA restructured 

the NDT website creating an information portal on key 

navigational dredging issues. EPA is also leading a 

review of the NDT’s progress in implementing its 2003 Action Agenda to assess progress and identify any emerging 

issues of concern. 

More information on the ocean dumping program is 

available at: www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/regulatory/

dumpdredged/dumpdredged.html. (Contacts: Molly 

Madden, 202-566-1279 or Ken Potts, 202-566-1267) 

EPA Reinvigorates Marine Debris Prevention 

Marine debris is a pervasive environmental problem 

of increasing public concern. The issue stretches 

beyond the set responsibilities of any individual 

office or agency. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach, OWOW undertook projects with other EPA 

offices, non-governmental organizations and other federal 

agencies. OWOW created an EPA Marine Debris Workgroup 

that includes the Office of Wastewater Management; the Office of Solid Waste; the Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and 

Toxic Substances; and EPA Regional offices. The workgroup 

is developing a comprehensive approach to address the 

types, sources, movement and impacts of marine debris. In 

addition, the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee, co-chaired by EPA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, submitted a report to Congress that contains 

25 recommendations to guide the federal government’s strategies 

on marine debris, identifies the sources of marine debris, reviews 

the ecological and economic impacts of marine debris, and provides 

recommendations to reduce marine debris both domestically and internationally. The report discusses marine debris efforts, recent progress and innovative ways to address 

the problem. More information is available at www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/debris/index.html. (Contacts: 

Molly Madden, 202 -566-1279 and Katherine Weiler, 202-566-1280)

Watershed 

Academy Webcasts 

Provide Training 

and Reduce Carbon 

Footprint

OWOW continues to host regular Webcasts on the 

latest topics in watershed management. Thanks 

to a new Web platform that uses state-of-the-art 

Internet streaming technologies, OWOW is now 

able to reach even larger audiences than ever 

before. An October Webcast on Gulf Hypoxia, 

which featured former Assistant Administrator for 

Water, Benjamin Grumbles, EPA expert Darrell 

Brown, and renowned hypoxia scientist Nancy 

Rabalais, attracted several hundred participants. 

The December 2008 Webcast on rain gardens 

drew more than 1,100 attendees. Webcasts have 

emerged as a very cost-effective approach for 

providing training while saving money. Archived 

versions are accessible 24-7, including podcast 

subscriptions from iTunes. Visit: www.epa.gov/

watershedwebcasts. (Contacts: Anne Weinberg, 202-

566-1207 or Patty Scott 202-566-1292)

Local Girl Scouts receive Water Drop Patch 

awards from former Assistant Administrator 

Ben Grumbles during the Anacostia 

International Coastal Cleanup event.
17

Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008Annual Report

Global warming is the defining challenge of our generation. The scientific evidence for rising 

global temperatures has been called “unequivocal” by the United Nations Intergovernmental 

Panel on Climate Change. The world’s leading scientists have warned that global warming, left 

unchecked, will lead to rising sea levels, more frequent droughts and floods, loss of species, spreading 

disease and other impacts. Dealing the potential impacts on infrastructure, water supply and habitat 

needs to be a top priority for all federal agencies. 

New Climate Change Tool Kit Available for Coastal Communities 

The Climate Ready Estuaries (CRE) program is a new partnership established in 2008 among the 

Oceans and Coastal Protection Division, EPA’s Climate Change Division, and the National Estuary Program (NEP) to address climate change in coastal areas. This partnership will strengthen 

capacity in the NEPs and other coastal communities to adapt to the effects of climate change and 

improve coastal resiliency. Since its inception, CRE has become widely recognized for innovation and 

leadership. 

In 2008, the CRE program unveiled its Web site, www.epa.gov/cre, to provide users with information 

about the importance of coastal adaptation to climate change and provide tools for adaptation. More 

specifically, the online toolkit features resources about coastal vulnerability, adaptation planning, 

smart growth, data and monitoring, and sustainable financing, serving a range of needs - from 

community members to coastal resource managers. 

Addressing Global 

Climate Change in Coastal 

Communities 

CHAPTER FOUR
18

Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008 Annual Report

I

n 2008, OWOW provided targeted assistance to six NEP pilots to identify climate change vulnerabilities and develop adaptation plans. Results and lessons learned from these projects will inform future 

efforts and serve as a model for coastal managers to get “ready” for reducing risks and future costs 

associated with rising sea level and other climate change impacts. For more information, visit the CRE 

Web site at www.epa.gov/cre. (Contact: John Wilson, 202-566-1158)

 Charlotte Harbor NEP

Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP) is developing a vulnerability assessment/

overview for the seven-county southwest Florida CHNEP study area. The Climate Ready Estuaries pilot 

program will build on this work by developing an adaptation plan for a small city within the area. The 

adaptation plan will address a wide variety of issues, including future scenarios, emergency response, 

minimization/avoidance/mitigation, building materials and design, land development regulations, fiscal 

policies, habitat translocations, exotic plant and animal invasion, management challenges and solutions, 

and variable risk. 

Massachusetts Bays Program

The Massachusetts Bays Program is working with EPA to design and complete a climate change 

vulnerability assessment for the coastal zone of Massachusetts and Cape Cod Bay. This effort will 

leverage existing initiatives under the StormSmart Coasts program in the Massachusetts Office of 

Coastal Zone Management. Upon completion of the vulnerability assessment, the information will be 

incorporated into a revised Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) to strengthen 

climate change preparation. 

Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership 

The Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) will lead a geographic information systems 

(GIS)-based analysis of road-stream infrastructure vulnerabilities associated with projected increases 

in stormwater resulting from climate change and future development in the coastal Oyster River 

watershed. The analysis will result in the development of adaptation and mitigation strategies to be 

included in a 2010 Management Plan update. 

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (Partnership) will work with its many partners to begin 

evaluating which resources are most at risk and prioritizing what can—and should be—done to 

monitor, protect or otherwise benefit the most valuable and vulnerable features. The Partnership’s 

Climate Adaptation Project will focus on assessing vulnerability and adaptation needs for three critical 

“case study” resources in the Estuary: drinking water, tidal wetlands and shellfish. The final product 

will be an adaptation plan that will provide new guidance on monitoring, management actions and 

policies that have the greatest likelihood to maximize the “natural capital” of these key life-sustaining 

features in the Delaware Estuary and its watershed. 

San Francisco Estuary Project

The San Francisco Estuary Project’s (SFEP) 2007 CCMP update targeted the assessment of and response 

to potential impacts of climate change. The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development 

Commission (BCDC) has taken a lead role in identifying and planning for these threats, completing 

an assessment of the impacts of sea level rise. With BCDC and other partners, SFEP intends to work 

with EPA to complete a vulnerability assessment for other climate-related impacts and produce an 

adaptation plan for the estuary. 
19

Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008Annual Report

 

S

cientifically defensible data are essential in the Information Age. Water quality monitoring and 

assessment programs—the essential underpinning of all aspects of the watershed approach—are 

critical for establishing priorities, measuring success and following adaptive management strategies. In 2008, OWOW made significant strides toward improving the accessibility, comprehensiveness, 

and quality of information on the condition of the nation’s waters.

Water Quality Assessment and Total Maximum Daily Loads Information (ATTAINS)

I

n 2008, EPA released a new Web site where water quality managers and the public can go to view 

a wide range of state-reported water quality information. This Web site, known as ATTAINS, combines water quality assessment information reported by the states under §305(b) of the Clean Water 

Act, along with impaired waters information reported under §303(d). By combining these two databases (the National Assessment Database and the National Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Tracking 

System), ATTAINS gives the “full story” showing which waters have been assessed, which are impaired 

and which are being (or have been) restored. Users can access and download dynamic, continuously 

updated tables and charts that summarize state-reported information for the nation as a whole, for 

individual states and waters, and for the ten EPA Regions. The Web site also provides information that 

helps EPA track our strategic planning goals. Visit ATTAINS at www.epa.gov/waters/ir. (Contacts: 

Shera Reems, 202-566-1264 or Wendy Reid, 202-566-1705)

Improving Monitoring and 

Assessment

CHAPTER FIVE
20

Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008 Annual Report

National Surveys at Full Steam

OWOW is working with the states and tribes to conduct a 

series of probability-based surveys (i.e., surveys based on 

a representative, random sample) of major U.S. aquatic resources to identify national priorities and evaluate the effectiveness 

of water quality protection efforts. These ambitious, unprecedented 

national surveys of water quality demand an exceptional amount 

of coordination and scientific data collection and analysis by EPA 

and its state and tribal partners. The surveys follow the Wadeable 

Streams Assessment, completed in 2006, which is available at epa.

gov/owow/streamsurvey. (Contact: Susan Holdsworth 202-566-1187)

• A National Lakes Assessment is planned for release in 

2009. In 2008, labs also processed over 10,000 samples 

collected at 909 lakes in 2007. Sample results are 

undergoing quality review and analysis. 

• A National Rivers and Streams Assessment report will be issued in 2011. In 2008, 

EPA and its partners in the states successfully completed the first of two years of field 

sampling. More than sixty field crews sampled nearly 850 sites nationwide. Among 

other benefits, this 2011 report will allow EPA to track progress in meeting our strategic 

planning goals for wadable streams. 

• A National Coastal Assessment will be released in 2010. In June 2008, OWOW sponsored 

a national planning meeting with state representatives, where indicators of coastal quality 

were selected. 

• A National Wetland Condition Assessment will be issued in 2013 (survey data will 

be collected in 2011). Initial decisions have been made on condition indicators and 

assessment methods that can be applied across a wide range of wetland types. EPA is 

also coordinating a number of regional pilot projects to test wetland field protocols and 

indicators. 

Ellen Tarquinio of OWOW measuring a 

smallmouth bass in Delaware as part of a 

stream/river sampling in summer 2008. 

Enhancing the Use and Sharing of Water Quality Data over the Internet 

In 2007, OWOW released version 1.0 of the Water Quality Exchange, or WQX. WQX uses new 

Web technology to make it easier for states, tribes, watershed groups and other users to submit water 

quality data to the National STORET Data Warehouse, EPA’s national repository for water quality 

data. In 2008, OWOW released an enhanced version, WQX v2.0, which allows for the sharing 

of biological taxonomic results and habitat assessment data. Essentially, WQX v2.0 now handles 

a complete suite of water quality monitoring assessment data (physical, chemical, biological and 

habitat)—making it easier for water quality managers to understand conditions and make decisions.

OWOW continues to expand the community of data users by providing training and technical support to states 

and tribes. Web Services, a capability that allows users to incorporate data from the National STORET Data 

Warehouse into their own specialized applications, allows linkages to other water program data systems including 

ATTAINS. The STORET team also worked closely with the U.S. Geological Survey to ensure that the Survey’s 

water data system generates data in compatible formats. In addition, OWOW has just released WQX Web, a 

new tool that makes it easier for small organizations without more formal systems to submit data. For more 

information on WQX, visit www.epa.gov/storet/wqx.html (Contact Kristen Gunthardt, 202-566-1194)
21

Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008Annual Report

EPA Completes Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report

As the cruise industry continues to expand, there is growing concern over the potential environmental impacts resulting from ship discharges. In response, EPA examined five primary waste 

streams from cruise ships. In 2007, OWOW released a draft Assessment Report covering sewage, 

graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste and hazardous waste. After reviewing public comments on the 

draft report, in 2008 EPA issued a completed Assessment 

Report which included options and alternatives to address 

the primary cruise ship waste streams.

As part of EPA’s ongoing evaluation of environmental 

impacts due to vessel discharges, OWOW partnered with 

the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to 

conduct studies in Skagway Harbor, Alaska during July of 

2008. The OSV Bold, EPA’s ocean survey vessel, served as the 

scientific platform used to conduct these studies: near-field 

dilution of treated sewage and graywater discharge plumes 

from stationary cruise ships, experiments to determine if 

phytoplankton growth in Skagway Harbor is limited by 

nutrients, and the examination of nitrogen uptake by seaweed to assess the relative importance of natural 

and anthropogenic sources of nutrient inputs. More information is available at: www.epa.gov/owow/

oceans/cruise_ships/. (Contacts: Laura Johnson, 202-566-1273 or Brian Rappoli, 202-566-1548)

EPA’s Ocean Survey Vessel, OSV Bold, Provides Critical Support for Ocean Programs

As part of a very active year, the OSV Bold, EPA’s ocean survey vessel, provided monitoring support 

at 20 ocean dredged material disposal sites. For the first time, the ship provided primary support 

for West Coast programs. The Bold arrived in San Diego, California in March 2008, and performed 

missions as far north as Skagway, Alaska. The ship supported six surveys and one open house event for 

EPA Region 9, and eight surveys and six open house events in Region 10. The Bold returned to the East 

Coast in October and conducted three surveys and one open house event for Region 4. The ship’s missions were quite varied and included cruise ship discharge studies in Alaska; sediment work on PCBs and 

dioxins in Puget Sound; and water quality assessments along the Washington and Oregon coasts. (Contact: Ken Potts, 202-566-1267)

EPA Completes 

Cruise Ship Discharge Assess-

 The Bold, EPA’s ocean survey vessel, monitors

 our nation’s oceans and coastal waters, including 

dredged material disposal sites.
22

Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008 Annual Report

After issuing three rounds of grants to 52 grantees, EPA conducted a programmatic 

evaluation of the Targeted Watersheds Grant (TWG) Program to assess its overall 

effectiveness. The evaluation examined results to date, including success in building on public/private watershed partnerships, achieving environmental results and encouraging innovative approaches. Results indicated that grantees are achieving environmental, 

social and organizational results and are communicating their successes to other organizations and the 

public. The following factors most influenced successful watershed project implementation:

• Strong partnerships. 

• Access to funding. 

• Stakeholder and community support and organization.

• Administrative and technical capacity.

Grantees reported that the most valuable aspects of the TWG program include funding, which grantees 

often leverage for additional financial support, and programmatic assistance from EPA staff. OWOW 

intends to use the results of the TWG evaluation to improve the program, as well as grants programs across 

OWOW. OWOW will continue to assist grantees in improving their output and outcome metrics, including 

the more difficult challenge of measuring social and organizational outcomes. (Contact: Erin Collard, 202-

566-2655)

National Estuary Program Implementation Reviews and Programmatic Evaluation 

I

n June 2008, OWOW released the National Estuary Program (NEP) Implementation Review 

Report. The report summarizes NEP accomplishments documented during EPA’s 2004 - 

2006 Implementation Reviews of the 28 NEPs. Also, it demonstrates that the Implementation Reviews served as an effective tool for EPA to assess NEP strengths and challenges. For 

example, the ecosystem protection projects and education and outreach efforts were found to 

be consistent strengths, while funding and organizational structure were found to be consistent challenges. The report can be accessed at www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries.

In November 2008, OWOW completed nine NEP Program Evaluations (PE); all nine programs 

passed. EPA provided each NEP with a final letter with details about strengths, challenges and 

recommendations for improvements. A report summarizing the results of the 2008 PE process is 

expected to be issued in 2009. (Contact Noemi Mercado, 202-566-1251)

Improving Environmental 

Performance and Program Management

CHAPTER SIX

Targeted Watersheds Grants Programmatic Evaluation
23

Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds 2008Annual Report

Christina River Basin Clean Water Partnership Exceeds TWG Program Goals 

The Christina River Basin Clean Water Partnership in Pennsylvania and Delaware 

succeeded in significantly reducing stormwater pollution. Using a $1 million EPA 

Targeted Watersheds Grant, the partnership reduced the harmful effects of runoff 

on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife. For every federal 

dollar invested, the partnership leveraged more than two dollars, allowing them to 

exceed the original goals, some by more than 50 percent. Accomplishments include 

over 10,000 feet of stream restoration, 8,000 feet of stream fencing and nutrient 

management control plans on over 1,000 acres. The final grant report includes a complete description of the 

projects.

Rathbun Lake

Iowa’s Rathbun Lake Water Alliance (RLWA), a 2003 TWG grantee, has realized success through an 

innovative approach to Best Management Practices (BMP). RLWA used GIS modeling to determine the 

agricultural lands in the watershed where BMPs would achieve the largest reduction in phosphorus and 

sediment at the lowest cost. Outreach and technical assistance were focused in these areas. As a result of 

their targeted approach, costs were reduced by 25 percent and participation among agricultural producers in 

these areas was 70 percent. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/twg.

Enhancing State and Tribal Wetland Management Programs

OWOW’s Wetlands Division continues to enhance support for state and tribal wetland programs, 

building on recommendations from a 2007 third-party evaluation of the Wetland Program 

Development Grants (WPDGs). In FY08 the division launched the Enhancing State and Tribal 

Programs (ESTP) Initiative, a sustained effort to better align EPA’s financial, planning and technical 

resources to enhance state and tribal wetlands programs, especially those that are in earlier stages of 

development. Key components of the ESTP are to:

• Provide more specificity about wetland program development actions and benchmarks in a 

format useful to states/tribes that are still defining their programs. In FY08 the division consulted 

with states and tribes to develop the Wetlands Core Elements Framework (CEF). For each of the 

four elements of a wetlands program – monitoring and assessment, voluntary restoration and 

protection, regulatory actions and wetland water quality standards - the CEF describes a menu of 

program objectives, actions and milestones that states/tribes can choose from to chart their own 

course for program development. 

• Align Wetland Grants with program-building activities in the Wetlands CEF. To maximize the 

effectiveness of grant funds, the Wetlands Division plans to closely align future WPDG decisions 

with the program development actions in the Wetlands CEF beginning in FY10. 

• Assist states and tribes to develop other sources of program funding and support. Recognizing that 

WPDGs are a critical but limited resource for state and tribal wetland programs, we are assisting 

states/tribes to leverage and develop other sources of program support. An October 2008 webinar 

introduced about 70 participants to the basics of sustainable finance; this curriculum and outreach 

will be expanded in FY09.

• Provide targeted technical assistance. The Wetlands CEF provides an excellent framework for better 

understanding where states/tribes are focusing their program development efforts. Beginning 

in FY09, we will use this information to develop more targeted technical assistance that directly 

addresses the needs of emerging state and tribal wetland programs. 
EPA Document Number: 840R09001

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds,

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. (4501T)

Washington, D.C. 20460

April 2009

www.epa.gov/owow

EPA would like to thank and acknowledge the following photographers for their contributions to this 

report.

Bill and Sharon Draker (cover photo)

Stephan Gersh

Jon Paul

April Wiese

Eric Vance

Danny Hart 

Kenneth Potts

Don Paulson

Larry Willis

Tampa Bay National Estuary Program