EPA recommends the use of biological assessments as a measure of true environmental results. The case studies presented here provide a series of examples to illustrate the value of such information for a variety of management and scientific uses. They are also a part of EPA's long-term strategy to provide better assessment tools to state and tribal program managers, to promote the adoption of more effective and meaningful indicators of ecological condition, and to foster the public's informed involvement in setting goals for their resources.

Case studies are presented in the following categories:

• Using Bioassessment as Evidence of Damage and Recovery following a Pesticide Spill
• Setting Ecologically-based Water Quality Goals
• Benefits of Using Bioassessment Data During Biocriteria Development
• Using Bioassessments and Biocriteria to Identify Impaired Waters and Causes of Impairment
• Using Bioassessments and Biocriteria in NPDES Permitting Programs
• Protect your Watershed through Bioassessments and Biocriteria