Mind the Data Gap: Identifying and Assessing Drivers of Changing Eutrophication Condition

摘要: This study identified drivers of change in Barnegat Bay–Little Egg Harbor Estuary, NJ, USA over multiple long-term time periods by developing an assessment tool (an “Eutrophication Index”) capable handling data gaps and identifying the condition relationships between ecosystem pressures, state, biotic responses. The Eutrophication Index integrates 15 indicators 3 components: (1) water quality, (2) light availability, (3) seagrass response. Annual quantitative assessments its consistency for three geographic segments range from 0 (highly degraded) to 100 (excellent condition). values significantly declined (p  1,200 <250 kg TP km−2 year−1, similar responses nutrient loading many ecosystems. While is initially a critical driver change, other factors, e.g., availability drive condition, yield nonlinearity. Empirical evidence switches driving factors stress adds complexity conceptualization resiliency due feedback dynamic, nonlinear stressors.