Introduction - Coastal Lagoons: Ecosystem Processes and Modeling for Sustainable Use and Development - page 4

Chapter 5 outlines the changes in lagoons under different eutrophication states
and morphologic conditions regarding main biological features and processes. The
chapter provides a framework for ecological modeling studies. The targeted readers
for this chapter are those who have a specific interest in assessing the trophic state
in lagoons by a structural analysis of producers and consumers, as well as changes
that result from the impacts of socio-economic inputs into the lagoon environment.
Chapter 6 presents valuable information on premodeling analysis and model
selection, critical considerations for model implementation, stability and accuracy
problems of numerical modeling, and model analysis. This chapter is recommended
as a reference guide for experienced modelers.
Chapter 7 reviews the principles of developing a lagoon monitoring system as
the first step toward modeling and management. The relationships between moni-
toring and modeling and guidance on evaluation of the monitoring results are
discussed. This chapter is intended as a common reference for all readers.
Chapter 8 discusses decision-making processes. A thorough assessment of how
modeling and other tools should be employed in integrated sustainable use manage-
ment for a lagoon is presented. This chapter should be reviewed in the context of
the information presented in the topic prior to this chapter. The mission of this topic
and the pilot study is accomplished only if the information and knowledge presented
in this chapter are used. This chapter is required reading for elected officials,
managers, and decision makers.
Chapter 9 consists of selected case studies from different areas of the world.
They provide detailed information and knowledge on how to apply the methodolo-
gies and approaches given in the topic and how to use tools for sustainable use
management of lagoons.
Naturally, readers from various disciplines involved with different aspects of
lagoon assessment and management may not need to absorb information provided
in every chapter in full detail. Readers who study lagoon hydrodynamics should
focus on Chapters 3 and 6. Those interested in lagoon ecology will find Chapters
2, 4, and 5 of value. Finally, readers interested in lagoon management will find
relevant information in Chapters 2 and 8, and other chapters, as necessary. Chapters 1
and 7 are intended for all readers.

1.4 THE FUTURE

Backed by NATO-CCMS, scientists, operators, managers, and students from a wide
geographic range encompassing Central Asia, Europe, and North America have
contributed to this topic. They reunited annually for workshops in contributing
countries to study lagoons for a 5-year period. These workshops enabled the partic-
ipants to test the reliability of the information provided in the chapters of this topic
for the targeted purposes outlined above. Contributors from different disciplines and
with different levels of background shared information, made arguments, investi-
gated lagoons, and together developed the common vision and understanding
reflected in this topic.