The use of environmental assessment procedures within monitoring frameworks demands that there be some relevancy to the decisions that management agencies make using biological criteria. These biological criteria standards are the basis for environmental indicators, which provide a direct measure of environmental quality. Biological Response Signatures: Indicator Patterns Using Aquatic Communities is the first book that evaluates the application of multimetric indices and biological indicators as endpoints in order to determine the relevancy of monitoring and evaluation programs in North America so that patterns in biological responses can be assessed.

The text uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to evaluate patterns in multimetric indices relating to known point or non-point source impacts. It describes the results of years of biological indicator development. It attempts to evaluate the differences in biological integrity between natural and altered landscapes. In addition, the book expands the types of organism indicator groups that are being used for assessments to include diatoms, aquatic macrophytes, aquatic invertebrates, mussels, fish, amphibians, and birds.

Contributors are among the top researchers and environmental biologists in North America and each provides their own perspective on current aspects of biological criteria implementation. The information contained in this text will appeal to a wide audience on the types of indicator chosen and the respective patterns among impacts discussed in the book. From the conceptual framework to the case studies, Biological Response Signatures will help readers better diagnose the stressors to biological communities and, thus, take actions to protect and restore water resources.