Missouri River Pallid Sturgeon Effects Analysis

The Missouri River Pallid Sturgeon Effects Analysis (EA) is a multi-agency collaboration to synthesize science about pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Missouri River basin.  This presentation describes the context for the EA and how EA information is being used to inform planning for Missouri River adaptive management.  During Phase 1 (2013-2016), the EA completed 4 foundational reports including development of conceptual ecological models, compilation of information resources, filtering of priority management hypotheses, and integration of understanding to provide best-available quantitative models relating management actions to pallid sturgeon population responses.  During Phase 2 (2015-2016), the EA team has been contributing to the Missouri River Science and Adaptive Management Plan, with an emphasis on design of research, monitoring, and modeling components needed to support learning and decision making.  During Phase 3 – envisioned as implementation of management alternatives under an adaptive management (AM) scenario – EA functions would transition to an AM Technical Team, staffed by independent experts from multiple disciplines and tasked to continue assimilation, synthesis, and dissemination of information arising from research, monitoring and evaluation.