Nutrient Management Strategy Science Program

San Francisco Bay (SFB) receives large inputs of the nutrients nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) from anthropogenic sources. N and P are essential components of a healthy estuary, supporting primary production at the base of the food web. However, ambient N and P concentrations in SFB exceed those in many other estuarine ecosystems, including those considered eutrophic1 and that experience nutrient-related impairment, such as excessive phytoplankton blooms and prolonged periods of low dissolved oxygen (DO). Unlike those other nutrient-enriched estuaries, though, SFB has exhibited resistance to classic eutrophication symptoms. Recent observations, however, suggest that SFB’s resistance to nutrient enrichment is weakening (e.g., Cloern et al., 2007; Cloern et al., 2010; SFEI 2014a). 

These San Francisco Bay Nutrient Management Strategy (NMS) Science Program was launched in 2014 to develop the scientific foundation to support nutrient management decisions. The NMS Steering Committee, representing 13 stakeholder groups (regulators, dischargers, water purveyors, NGOs, resource agencies) oversees the NMS’ implementation, including financial oversight and alignment of NMS science activities with high priority management questions. The San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) serves as the technical lead on implementing the NMS Science Program. SFEI staff work with regional collaborators to carry out NMS projects, including field investigations, monitoring, and data interpretation.