Research Areas > Regional Monitoring > Watershed Regional Monitoring > Regional Watershed Assessments > The Use of a Master Sample to Integrate Aquatic Resource Monitoring Programs in Southern California

Project: The Use of a Master Sample to Integrate Aquatic Resource Monitoring Programs in Southern California

Background and Objectives

The southern California region has several thousands of kilometers of streams, which harbor great biodiversity. Numerous federal, state, and local agencies are interested in protecting and improving the biological integrity of these streams. These agencies include the Environmental Protection Agency, California Department of Fish and Game, state and regional water boards, and local sanitation and flood control districts, to name a few.

While many agencies are engaged in monitoring aquatic resources, these agencies typically operate independently. This lack of coordination has led to inefficient use of resources and data with limited comparability among monitoring projects. SCCWRP is assisting future coordination among agencies by developing sampling methods, quality assurance programs, and operations manuals for use throughout the region. In addition, integration of these programs can be enhanced through the "master sample" approach, in which a dense master sample pool is created of evenly spatially distributed sites for the streams in southern California, from which agencies can draw samples for their individual projects. At the same time, participating agencies are able to easily integrate their data with other agencies for a broader regional assessment. In addition, the master sample allows agencies to reduce or share costs when monitoring areas overlap.
 

Status

This is an ongoing project.

Methods

In order to improve the efficiency and value of aquatic resources monitoring programs, a master sample was created for stream networks in the southern California region. The master sample approach, initially developed by Larsen, et al. (2008), relies on a dense probabilistic design in which sample sites are listed in an order where each subsequent sample maintains spatial balance with the previously chosen sample or set of samples. Individual agencies can draw sub-samples from the ordered master sample as appropriate to their monitoring objectives, while still retaining the ability to incorporate the results of their projects into a broader design.

Partners

This project is being conducted in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency, Stormwater Monitoring Coalition, California Department of Fish and Game, State Water Resources Control Board, USEPA, Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council, City of Long Beach, Los Angeles City Sanitation District, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Orange County Department of Public Works, Riverside County Flood Control District, San Diego County Stormwater Management Program, San Bernardino Flood Control District, Ventura County Watershed Protection Division, and Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project.