Maine DEP uses multivariate statistics to evaluate the condition of the state's streams and rivers. Maine DEP recently started a pilot project in the Casco Bay Watershed to develop biological assessment methods utilizing multivariate statistics. In addition, advanced statistics have been commonly used to evaluate algal communities. Maine DEP and Montana Department of Environmental Quality both use statistical methods to examine the algal assemblage in their wetlands. While bioassessments are designed to evaluate wetland health, functional assessments are primarily designed to inform management decisions involving the dredge and fill of wetlands and restoring wetlands to compensate for wetland losses.
Functional assessments tend to focus on the physical structure and habitat features of a wetland.
Used independently, functional assessments are not appropriate for estimating wetland health because they do not adequately evaluate the condition of wetland biological communities. In addition, functional assessments will not detect damage to wetlands caused by many subtle stressors, such as toxic chemicals. Some bioassessment projects, however, use some form of functional assessments to gather habitat information. This information is very valuable to confirm that a wetland is classified properly and to help identify potential stressors damaging wetlands.