New version of ESIP monitoring map available

The Ecosystem Indicator Partnership (ESIP) of the Gulf of Maine Council has unveiled a new version of the ESIP Monitoring Map. The Monitoring Map is an interactive tool to consolidate information on monitoring in the Gulf of Maine. With as many as 300 programs now in place in the Western Atlantic and the Gulf of Maine, ESIP is working toward the coordination and harmonization of monitoring programs in the Gulf of Maine. The majority of the programs are marine and coastal, though some are terrestrial ones.

The ESIP long-term focus is on data synthesis and reporting focused on six areas: aquatic habitat, climate change, coastal development, contaminants, eutrophication and fisheries/aquaculture. But the initial steps in the interest of cross-program coordination have led to the development of an integrated system for identifying monitoring locations.

ESIP’s new version of the monitoring map allows users to zoom to specific locations or filter monitoring programs by indicator or organization. Site information includes specific location and maps, along with information on neighboring sites.

If further detail is needed, users can follow a Web link to the parent organization. Users can also opt to download data or make PDFs of their specific searches. The new monitoring map and revised user guide can be accessed at http://www.gulfofmaine.org/esip/.

For more information on ESIP’s activities or to add programs to the interactive map, please contact Christine Tilburg at ctilburg@securespeed.us.

© 2007 The Gulf of Maine Times