The nature of environmental issues is becoming more complex and less obvious to decision makers and to the general public. Focus has shifted from such tangible problems as oil pollution in rivers to more abstract issues like the greenhouse effect. resource managers, as well as the public, need to understand the complexities of their surrounding environment in order to make informed decisions. In response to this demand, better tools are required to measure, monitor, and communicate the ecosystem consequences of human activities. indicators of ecosystem health are now utilized in the fields of natural sciences, social sciences and resource management, as tools to integrate science with management for these purposes. This study examines the niche of environmental indicators in resource management of estuaries along the Washington and Oregon coasts (USA), to determine their suitability and performance as management tools. It is part of a larger, multi-year, multi-disciplinary program, the Pacific Northwest Coastal Ecosystems Regional Study (PNCERS), funded by NOAA's coastal ocean program, to develop a better understanding of coastal processes and human interaction with coastal resources. The goal is to apply that knowledge to improving the basis for coastal estuary management.

  Personal interviews and an online survey of knowledgeable local estuary managers were conducted to understand their perceptions regarding indicators. Their current use and perceptions of their current state of development were explored as well as the factors perceived to limit their use. Results show that indicators are not being used to their full potential in local estuarine management. Limiting factors appear to include a lack of: funding, resources, time, knowledge, baseline data, a mandate and belief in their effectiveness. Funding and resources are crucial yet scarce in estuarine management. if these are secured, baseline information and process understanding of local ecosystems are still required to develop and select suitable indicators. Finally, decision makers need to have sufficient awareness and understanding of the potential applications and benefits of indicators to make the effort worthwhile.

  Environmental indicators are used as tools for research and monitoring, communication to the public as well as among other departments and institutions, and as aids in making management decisions. These tasks are accomplished through the integration of science with management. This study will provide insight into the use of environmental indicators, in the management of Washington and Oregon estuaries, and how their use might be promoted through the PNCERS research effort. The research can indicate additional benefits which outweigh the costs to managers in developing and implementing indicators. In this way, environmental indicators can prove to be an effective tool in coastal management.