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Freshwater Biological Traits Database (External Review Draft)

On this page:

  • Overview
  • Background
  • Downloads

Alert
Alert Notice - This site contains archived material(s)

Archive disclaimer
Archived files are provided for reference purposes only. The file was current when produced, but is no longer maintained and may now be outdated. Persons with disabilities having difficulty accessing archived files may contact the IRIS Webmaster for assistance. Please use the contact us form if you need additional support.

Overview

This draft report discusses the development of a database of freshwater biological traits. The database combines several existing traits databases into an online format. The database is also augmented with additional traits that are relevant to detecting climate change-related effects, especially traits related to temperature tolerances and flow.

Background

This draft report and the Freshwater Biological Traits Database are intended for resource managers and scientists working on biological indicators, bioassessment, biomonitoring, and biocriteria, particularly in the EPA’s Office of Water and Regions, and also at state agencies and universities.

Access to the on-line Freshwater Biological Traits Database

See database under downloads


History/Chronology
Date Description
Aug 2009 EPA performed an internal review of the draft report. Then held regional workshops and discussed traits database. See timeline on webpage: https://www.epa.gov/ncea/global/regional_shops.htm
Apr 2011 EPA released the external review draft report for public review and comment.

Status

EPA will host an external peer review meeting on May 11, 2011 as announced in the Federal Register Notice. The report and database will be revised based on review comments received and will be published as a final EPA report and online database in the summer of 2011.

Additional Information

Comments on the assessment may be submitted and reviewed using the e-Government Regulations.gov Web site. From the site, select “Environmental Protection Agency” and the keyword “EPA-HQ-ORD-2011-0368" (for the docket ID) to comment on this report.

Download(s)

This download(s) is distributed solely for the purpose of pre-dissemination peer review under applicable information quality guidelines. It has not been formally disseminated by EPA. It does not represent and should not be construed to represent any Agency determination or policy.

  • Freshwater Biological Traits Database (PDF)  (23  pp, 417.0 KB, about PDF)
  • Appendix A: List of cold- and warm-water preference taxa (PDF)  (12  pp, 75.2 KB, about PDF)
  • Appendix B: Data Integration Rules (PDF)  (25  pp, 158.2 KB, about PDF)
  • Appendix C: Traits Gap Analysis (PDF)  (24  pp, 168.9 KB, about PDF)
  • Appendix D: List of traits and associated metadata (PDF)  (12  pp, 86.9 KB, about PDF)
  • Appendix E: List of traits and associated metadata (PDF)  (16  pp, 1.8 MB, about PDF)
  • Implications of Climate Change for State Bioassessment Programs and Approaches to Account for Effects (External Review Draft)
  • Link to Traits online database (staging)
  • Download all traits information (ZIP)  (12.1 MB, about ZIP)
  • Download all traits information - Transposed (ZIP)  (4.0 MB, about ZIP)

If you have a disability and the format of any material on our web pages interferes with your ability to access the information, please reach out to us using the Contact Us about IRIS form for assistance. To enable us to respond in a manner most helpful to you, please indicate the nature of the accessibility problem, the web address of the requested material, your preferred format in which you want to receive the material (electronic format (ASCII, etc.), standard print, large print, etc.), and your contact information.

Document Related Link(s)

  • Bioassessment Regional Workshop Web site
  • Biocriteria SW Guidance
  • EPA Bioindicators
  • RSL Monitoring -Stream Survey
  • Climate Change Effects on Stream and River Biological Indicators: A Preliminary Analysis (Final Report)
  • Freshwater Biological Traits Database (Final Report)
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Last updated on April 15, 2011
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