In addition to our work developing and managing the GBEP, Galveston Bay Information Network, we also maintain our GBIC web site. To accomplish efficient and successful access goals, we have chosen to combine the best of technology tools with people services. Through this combination, patrons are able to utilize more completely the research and information resources available to them. The GBEP Data Clearinghouse has been designed to meet the requirements of the Regional Monitoring Program of The Galveston Bay Plan. One of the limitations of the Galveston Bay estuary monitoring system is that results from different monitoring programs are not easy to compile for ecosystem analysis.
Different agencies maintain different databases and reporting formats.
Acquisition of data can be time consuming, and no centralized data management system is currently in use that can report on overall trends. Galveston Bay Monitoring Subcommittee and an associated Working Group. For a description of the water quality data clearinghouse, refer to the paper by Karen Brettshneider, H-GAC, in this proceedings. The purpose of the project is to develop a status and trends report for Galveston Bay. The status and trends updates produced during this project will be made available on the GBEP, Galveston Bay Information Network and will be incorporated into printed and electronically accessible reports.