All three systems have concentrations of metals and organic compounds in the sediments above thresholds generally associated with biological effects. Other areas where there isn't enough information would be identified as such, while still other locations may be labeled as having no cause for concern. Some ultimately envision a map of the Bay with bright red spots indicating regions of concern, pink indicating areas of potential concern, and other colors indicating areas with no problems or where data are inconclusive. They incorporate indicators such as fish tumors and the health of benthic communities. In areas where all chemical contaminants are within specified water quality standards, such indicators can help identify problems that may be caused by exposure to low levels of toxicants over time or by the mixing of several substances.
Finfish tumors are a good indicator of trends.
Other parts of the revised toxics strategy will deal with trying to reduce potential toxics problems throughout the watershed by promoting pollution prevention and perhaps setting some kind of overall toxics reduction goal. But in the Bay itself, the most visible action will take place in the regions of concern. In these plans, jurisdictions would likely determine the sources and amounts of pollution to the designated waterway, how those sources could best be controlled, identify important habitats, describe the land uses that may contribute to the problems, and other information. The plans would have to set specific goals and timetables for meeting them. Also, the plans would be required to have some mechanism for public involvement.