Entrainable Organism Condition Database – Great Lakes Pilot Project

Under the pending 316(b) rules, affected facilities are required to characterize entrainment with an understanding of entrainment mortality. To effectively assess entrainment mortality, facility managers, scientists and permitting authorities will need to agree on entrainable organism condition descriptions (e.g., live, dead, moribund) that are applicable and widely accepted for entrainment mortality calculations. This project will summarize the results of a pilot-level database that photo documents and describes several Great Lakes species, forms (egg, larvae), and condition (live, dead [near-dead, long-dead]) of entrainable organisms. The project included the development of a simple, front end graphical interface, a supporting and expandable backend database and inexpensive digital photo techniques to offer detailed photos and technical details to describe each organism. Selected species and their form where photo documented across a wide range of living and mortality conditions to document and improve our understanding of the characteristics that differentiate natural mortality against facility related, adverse affects. This presentation will summarize various examples of the pilot-level database and its functionality, and provide rationale of its potential value in entrainment characterization.