PACN_Stream_WQ_Protocol_V2.pdf

Pacific Island Network Stream Water Quality Protocol Version 2.0

The Asan River, Guam, War in the Pacific National Historical Park.

NPS

Is c National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Science Report NPS/SR—2026/397 https://doi.org/10.36967/2317207 https://doi.org/10.36967/2317207

Pacific Island Network Stream Water Quality Protocol: Version 2.0

Science Report NPS/SR—2026/397

David F. Raikow , Anne C. Farahi , Amanda L. McCutcheon , Kelly Kozar

National Park Service Pacific Island Network PO Box 52 Hawaii National Park, HI 96718

Please cite this publication as:

Raikow, D.F., A.C. Farahi, A.L. McCutcheon, and K. Kozar. 2026. Pacific Island Network Stream Water Quality Protocol: Version 2.0. Science Report NPS/SR—2026/397. National Park Service, Fort Collins, Colorado. https://doi.org/10.36967/2317207

NPS 925/199260, March 2026 https://doi.org/10.36967/2317207 https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3444-1426 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7957-7889 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6481-6920 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4843-1104 ii

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Contents

Page

Figures................................................................................................................................................... vi

Tables ................................................................................................................................................... vii

Abstract .................................................................................................................................................. x

List of Acronyms .................................................................................................................................. xi

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ............................................................................................... xii

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................. xv

Acknowledgments .............................................................................................................................. xvii

Authorities .........................................................................................................................................xviii

1 Background and Objectives

1.1 The Pacific Island Network

1.2 Scientific Review Rationale

1.3 Considerations Affecting Protocol Design

1.4 Protocol Objectives

2 Sampling Design

2.1 Summary of Methodological Changes

2.2 Sampling Regime

2.2.1 Sampling Frame

2.2.2 Power

2.2.3 Sampling Frequency

2.2.4 Number of Sample Sites, Site Locations, Site Dispersion

2.2.5 Water Quality Parameters

3 Field Methods, Data Analysis, Handling, and Reporting

3.1 Planning and Equipment

3.2 Sonde Operation

3.3 Collecting Water Samples

4 Data Analysis, Handling, and Reporting

4.1 Project Information Management Overview

4.2 Pre-Season Preparations for Information Management

iv

Contents (continued)

4.2.1 Set Up of Project Workspace

4.2.2 GPS Loading and Preparation

4.2.3 Implementation of Working Database Copy

4.3 Overview of Database Design

4.4 Data Entry and Processing

4.4.1 Regular Data Backups

4.4.2 Data Verification

4.4.3 Field Form Handling Procedures

4.4.4 Image Handling Procedures

4.4.5 GPS Data Procedures

4.5 Data Quality Review

4.5.1 Quality Review Tool

4.5.2 Geospatial Data

4.6 Metadata Procedures

4.7 Data Certification and Delivery

4.7.1 Data Edits After Certification

4.8 Data Analysis

4.9 Reporting and Product Development

4.10 Product Delivery, Posting and Distribution

4.10.1 STORET

4.10.2 Special Procedures for Sensitive Information

4.11 Archival and Records Management

4.12 Season Close Out

4.13 Changing Laboratory Contracts

4.14 Modifying the Protocol

5 Operational Requirements

5.1 Facilities and Equipment

5.2 Start-Up Costs

v

Contents (continued)

5.3 Annual Budget

5.4 Support Provided by Parks

6 Personnel Requirements and Training

Literature Cited

Appendix A. Power Analysis

Appendix B. Dissolved Nutrient Fractions vi

Figures

Figure 1. Park units of the Pacific Island Network. Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Honoʻuliʻuli National Historic Site are not currently monitored by PACN

Figure 2. Sample sites in Waikolu Stream, Kalaupapa National Park

Figure 3. Sample sites in Alelele Stream, Haleakalā National Park

Figure 4. Sample sites in Palikea Stream and Pīpīwai Stream, Haleakala National Park

Figure 5. Sample sites in Amalau, Leafu, and Fagatuitui Streams on the island of Tutuila, National Park of American Samoa

Figure 6. Sample sites in Laufuti Stream on the island of Taʻu, National Park of American Samoa

Figure 7. Sample sites in Asan River and Calacag Stream, War in the Pacific National Historical Park

Figure 8. Proportions of dissolved nitrogen in HALE streams. Distribution density is presented as the blue curve and mean as the blue dotted line

Figure 9. Proportions of dissolved phosphorus in HALE streams. Distribution density is presented as the blue curve and mean as the blue dotted line

Figure 10. Proportions of dissolved nitrogen in Waikolu Stream, KALA. Distribution density is presented as the blue curve and mean as the blue dotted line

Figure 11. Proportions of dissolved phosphorus in Waikolu Stream, KALA. Distribution density is presented as the blue curve and mean as the blue dotted line

Figure 12. Proportion of dissolved nitrogen in the Asan River, WAPA. Distribution density is presented as the blue curve and mean as the blue dotted line

Figure 13. Proportions of dissolved phosphorus in the Asan River, WAPA. Distribution density is presented as the blue curve and mean as the blue dotted line

Figure 14. Proportions of dissolved nitrogen in streams of NPSA. Distribution density is presented as the blue curve and mean as the blue dotted line

Figure 15. Proportions of dissolved phosphorus in streams of NPSA. Distribution density is presented as the blue curve and mean as the blue dotted line vii

Tables

Table 1. Titles, citations, and NPS DataStore reference codes for all SOPs utilized for this protocol. ........................................................................................................................................ xii

Table 2. Summary of methodological changes made to the original water quality monitoring protocol for Pacific Island Network parks (Jones et al. 2011a)

Table 3. Sample sites in PACN-monitored streams

Table 4. Annual information management tasks

Table 5. Protocol expenses

Table 6. Deltas for power analysis

Table 7. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in Waikolu Stream, Kalaupapa National Historical Park, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ)

Table 8. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in Alelele Stream, Haleakalā National Park, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ)

Table 9. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in Palikea Stream, lower reach, Haleakalā National Park, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ)

Table 10. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in Palikea Stream, upper reach, Haleakalā National Park, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ)

Table 11. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in Pīpīwai Stream, Haleakalā National Park, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ)

Table 12. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in upstream forested sites of Amalau Stream, National Park of American Samoa, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ) viii

Tables (continued)

Table 13. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in downstream village sites of Amalau Stream, National Park of American Samoa, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ)

Table 14. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in upstream forest sites of Leafu Stream, National Park of American Samoa, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ)

Table 15. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in downstream village sites of Leafu Stream, National Park of American Samoa, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ)

Table 16. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in Fagatuitui Stream, National Park of American Samoa, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ)

Table 17. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in Lafuti Stream, lower reach, National Park of American Samoa, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ)

Table 18. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in Laufuti Stream, upper reach pools, National Park of American Samoa, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ)

Table 19. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in the Asan River, War in the Pacific National Historical Park, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ) ix

Tables (continued)

Table 20. Minimum number of sites required to detect a linear increase and single quarter change (Wilcoxon test, 10 baseline years) when sampled once (Q1 or Q3), twice (Q1 and Q3), or four times (All quarters) a year, in Calacag Stream, War in the Pacific National Historical Park, at 80% power, 0.05 Type I error, and various levels of change (delta, δ)

Table 21. Summary statistics for proportion of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus in streams x

Abstract

Water quality is widely used as an indicator of aquatic resource condition and was identified as a high priority “vital sign” by the Pacific Island Network (PACN). This protocol revision follows guidance set forth by the Inventory and Monitoring Division and is a substantive change to the stream portion of the PACN water quality protocol version one. We revised the sampling design based on power analyses of data collected from 2007–2017 and conducted a full scientific review of the stream portion of the original water quality protocol. Sampling design was modified to cull redundant sampling and increase program efficiency, while meeting or exceeding the original goals of the monitoring protocol. Specific changes include: 1) specifying the magnitude of change the sampling design should, to the degree possible, be able to detect within 10 years; 2) removing the goal of establishing ranges for water quality parameter values; 3) establishing total dissolved nitrogen, total dissolved phosphorus, and nitrate + nitrite as primary analytes; 4) eliminating temporary sites; 5) reducing the total number of fixed sites; and 6) reducing sampling frequency to twice a year. Water sampling methods remain unchanged from the previous protocol version.

Additional water quality parameters monitored at each site continue to include pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, total algae (chlorophyll a + phycocyanin), turbidity, and specific conductance.

Data will be managed under standard operating procedures that ensure data entered in databases are verified for accuracy and certified as scientifically valid after completing established quality assurance and control procedures. Data are published in the public domain and reported to parks via trend reports, web articles, direct communication, and briefing statements.

xi

List of Acronyms

HALE: Haleakala National Park

IMD: Inventory and Monitoring Division

KALA: Kalaupapa National Historical Park

N: Nitrogen

NO3-: Nitrate

NO2-: Nitrite

NPS: National Park Service

NPSA: National Park of American Samoa

P: Phosphorus

PACN: Pacific Island Network

QAP: Quality Assurance Plan

SOP: Standard Operating Procedure

TDN: Total Dissolved Nitrogen

TDP: Total Dissolved Phosphorus

TN: Total Nitrogen

TP: Total Phosphorus

WAPA: War in the Pacific National Historical Park xii

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Twenty-five standard operating procedures are associated with the Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. To accommodate frequent changes, each SOP is informally published online through the NPS DataStore (https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore). The SOPs can be retrieved from NPS DataStore using the citation or the hyperlinked reference code shown in Table 1 below.

Versioning tools in NPS DataStore will offer the most current version from these links.

Table 1. Titles, citations, and NPS DataStore reference codes for all SOPs utilized for this protocol.

Title Citation

NPS

DataStore Reference

Code

SOP #1: Safety Protocol

Raikow D. (NPS), Farahi A. (NPS), McCutcheon A. (NPS), and Jones T.

(NPS). 2024. SOP #1: Safety Protocol. Version 3.02. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2312918

SOP #2: General Tasks Prior to Conducting Field Work

Farahi A. (NPS), McCutcheon A. (NPS), Jones T. (NPS), Kudray G.

(NPS), and Raikow D. (NPS). 2024. SOP #2: General Tasks Prior to Conducting Field Work. Version 2.04. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313356

SOP #3: Training Observers

Farahi A. (NPS), McCutcheon A. (NPS), Jones T. (NPS), Kudray G.

(NPS), and Raikow D. (NPS). 2024. SOP #3: Training Observers. Version

1.04. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol.

Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313355

SOP #4: Using Garmin GPS Units

Wasser M. (NPS). 2024. SOP #4: Using Garmin GPS Units. Version 2.03.

Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313354

SOP #5:

Downloading and Uploading Data from/to a Garmin®

GPS

Wasser M. (NPS). 2024. SOP #5: Downloading and Uploading Data from/to a Garmin GPS. Version 1.02. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313353

SOP #6:

Using ArcGIS Field Maps Application

Wasser M. (NPS) and Pollvogt B. (NPS). 2024. SOP #6: Using ArcGIS Field Maps Application. Version 1.0. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2312685

SOP #7: Selecting Water Quality Sampling Stations

Wasser M. (NPS). 2024. SOP #7: Selecting Water Quality Sampling Stations. Version 3.05. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313352 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2312918 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313356 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313355 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313354 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313353 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2312685 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313352 xiii

Table 1 (continued). Titles, citations, and NPS DataStore reference codes for all SOPs utilized for this protocol.

Title Citation

NPS

DataStore Reference

Code

SOP #8:

YSI EXO Sonde Operation

Farahi A. (NPS) and McCutcheon A. (NPS). 2024. SOP #8: YSI EXO2 Sonde Operation and Calibration. Version 1.02. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313351

SOP #9: Collecting Freshwater Samples:

General Procedures

Farahi A. (NPS), McCutcheon A. (NPS), Jones T. (NPS), and Raikow D.

(NPS). 2024. SOP #9: Collecting Freshwater Samples: General Procedures. Version 2.04. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313349

SOP #10: Collecting Groundwater Samples at KAHO

McCutcheon A. (NPS), Farahi A. (NPS), and Raikow D. (NPS). 2024.

SOP #10: Collecting Groundwater Samples at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (KAHO). Version 2.05. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313347

SOP #11:

Collecting Marine Water Samples

McCutcheon A. (NPS), Farahi A. (NPS), Jones T. (NPS), and Raikow D.

(NPS). 2024. SOP #11: Collecting Marine Water Samples. Version 3.03.

Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313346

SOP #12:

Quality Control When Changing Labs

Raikow D. (NPS), Farahi A. (NPS), and McCutcheon A. (NPS). 2024.

SOP#12: Quality Control When Changing Labs. Version 1.01. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313345

SOP #13:

Post-field Work Procedures and Equipment Maintenance

Farahi A. (NPS), McCutcheon A. (NPS), Jones T. (NPS), and Raikow D.

(NPS). 2024. SOP #13: Post-field Work Procedures and Equipment Maintenance. Version 2.0. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313344

SOP #14:

Workspace Setup and Project Records Management

Kozar K. (NPS) and Weisenborn K. (NPS). 2024. SOP #14: Workspace Setup and Project Records Management. Version 2.01. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313343

SOP #15:

Datasheet Handling Procedures

Kozar K. (NPS) and Weisenborn K. (NPS). 2024. SOP #15: Datasheet Handling Procedures. Version 2.0. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313342

SOP #16:

Managing Photographic Images

Kozar K. (NPS) and Weisenborn K. (NPS). 2024. SOP #16: Managing Photographic Images. Version 2.0. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313341 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313351 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313349 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313347 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313346 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313345 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313344 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313343 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2293511 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313341 xiv

Table 1 (continued). Titles, citations, and NPS DataStore reference codes for all SOPs utilized for this protocol.

Title Citation

NPS

DataStore Reference

Code

SOP #17:

Preparing YSI Files for Importing into the Database

Kozar K. (NPS) and Weisenborn K. (NPS)., McCutcheon A., Puig- Santana G., Farahi A. 2024. SOP #17: Preparing YSI Files for Importing into the Database. Version 5.02. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313337

SOP #18:

Data Entry and Verification

Kozar K. (NPS) and Weisenborn K. (NPS). 2024. SOP #18: Data Entry and Verification. Version 1.03. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313336

SOP #19:

Post-season Data Quality Review Certification

Kozar K. (NPS). 2024. SOP #19: Post-season Data Quality Review and Certification. Version 1.02. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313335

SOP #20:

Metadata Development

Kozar K. (NPS) and Weisenborn K. (NPS). 2021. SOP #20: Metadata Development. Version 1.01. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313334

SOP #21:

Sensitive Information Procedures

Kozar K. (NPS) and Weisenborn K. (NPS). 2024. SOP #21: Sensitive Information Procedures. Version 1.02. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313332

SOP #22:

Analysis and Reporting

Raikow D. (NPS), Farahi A. (NPS), McCutcheon A. (NPS), and Jones T.

(NPS). 2024. SOP #22: Data Analysis and Reporting. Version 1.02.

Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313331

SOP #23:

Product Delivery Specifications

Kozar K. (NPS) and Weisenborn K. (NPS). 2024. SOP #23: Product Delivery Specifications. Version 1.03. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313329

SOP #24:

Product Posting and Distribution

Kozar K. (NPS). 2024. SOP #24: Product Posting and Distribution.

Version 1.02. Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol.

Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313295

SOP #25:

Revising the Protocol

Jones T. (NPS). 2024. SOP #25: Revising the Protocol. Version 1.03.

Pacific Island Network Water Quality Monitoring Protocol. Unpublished National Park Service Report, Pacific Island Inventory and Monitoring Network, Hawai’i National Park, Hawai’i.

2313293 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313337 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313336 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313335 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313334 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313332 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313331 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313329 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313295 https://irma.nps.gov/DataStore/Reference/Profile/2313293 xv

Executive Summary

The National Park Service (NPS) established the Inventory and Monitoring Division (IMD) in order to monitor physical, chemical, and biological elements and processes of ecosystems that represent overall ecosystem health within parks. Water quality is widely used as an indicator of aquatic resource condition and was identified as a high priority “vital sign,” or physical, chemical, and biological element or process of ecosystems that represent the overall health or condition of park resources, by the Pacific Island Network (PACN). The objectives of this protocol are to collect high-quality spatial and time-series data on the water quality in streams of PACN parks, to analyze these data, and to communicate spatial and temporal patterns of water quality parameters, including statistically identifiable trends, in briefing statements, reports, and publications. This data informs natural resource management decisions made facing environmental threats such as climate change, water diversion, chemical and microbial contamination, nutrient enrichment, invasive species, and sedimentation.

This protocol revision follows guidance set forth by IMD and evaluates recommendations put forth in prior stream water quality trend reporting (e.g., Raikow et al. 2024). It is a substantive change to the stream portion of the PACN water quality protocol version one (Jones et al. 2011a). We revised the sampling design based on power analyses of data collected from 2007–2017 and conducted a full scientific review of the stream portion of the original water quality protocol. Methods were modified to cull redundant sampling and increase program efficiency, while meeting or exceeding the original goals of the monitoring protocol. Specific changes include:

● Modifying the objectives by specifying the magnitude of change the sampling design should, to the degree possible, be able to detect within 10 years, and removing the goal of establishing ranges for water quality parameter values.

● Identifying clearly that total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), total dissolved phosphorus (TDP), and nitrate + nitrite (NO3

-+NO2

-) are primary analytes.

● Removing temporary sites.

● Reducing the total number of fixed sites.

● Sampling twice a year, once during the dry season and once during the wet season, instead of four times per year.

● Reducing the number of replicate subsample bottles analyzed for nutrients from 504 to 144.

Sample sites are established within Alelele Stream, Palikea Stream, and Pīpīwai Stream of Haleakalā National Park (HALE), Waikolu Stream of Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KALA), Fagatuitui Stream, Leafu Stream, Amalau Stream, and Lafuti Stream of National Park of American Samoa (NPSA), and Asan River, and Calacag Stream of War in the Pacific National Historical Park (WAPA). Water quality parameters monitored at each site include TDP, TDN, NO3

- + NO2

-, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, total algae (chlorophyll a + phycocyanin), turbidity, and specific conductance. Water sampling methods remain unchanged from the previous protocol; three replicate xvi water subsamples consisting of independent grabs are collected at each site and averaged to determine the parameter value for the site, water samples are filtered for analysis of dissolved nutrients and are kept on ice in a dark container until returning to offices, where they are immediately frozen and stored under these conditions until they are sent to a lab for analysis; and additional parameters are measured by using a sonde in the field.

Data are managed under standard operating protocols (SOPs) that ensure data entered into databases are verified for accuracy and certified as scientifically valid after completing established quality assurance and control procedures. Data are published in the public domain and reported to parks via trend reports and briefing statements. A trend report or publication will be published to record baseline conditions for each park, then full reports or publications will be issued as needed and peer-reviewed. Full reports or publications generally consist of an introduction; methods; analyses including linear mixed models, Mann-Kendall or other analyses if necessary, and spatial analyses;

results; and a discussion that will include interpretation of results, management implications, and suggested improvements to protocol methods, if applicable. Results will be regularly communicated directly to parks using briefs. Trend reports will include a web article. Briefing reports will be published approximately every year and generally consist of annual updates of stream water quality data to parks with no or minimal statistical analyses or interpretation. Operational reviews and updates to SOPs will be conducted annually.

xvii

Acknowledgments

For their contributions to implementing and improving stream water quality monitoring, we thank Gary Rosenlieb, Pete Poyner, John Marra, Sean Eagan, Eric Brown, Mike Gawel, Justin Mills, Visa Vaivai, Sylvester Lee, Glauco Puig-Santana, Kim Tice, Allison Miller, Chris Rillahan, Mara Cruz, Tamafaiga Sagapolutlele, Valentine Vaeoso, Lindsay Moore, Lindsay Kramer, Kelly Moore, Greg Kudray, Ryan Monello, Tazhay Jones, Mark Wasser, Tara Holitzki, Tracy Wiegner, and two anonymous reviewers.

xviii

Authorities

● 43 U.S.C. 1451. Establishment of the Department of the Interior. “There shall be at the seat of government an executive department to be known as the Department of the Interior, and a Secretary of the Interior, who shall be the head thereof.”

● 16 U.S.C. 1. National Park Service Organic Act. “…there is hereby created in the Department of the Interior a service to be called the National Park Service.”

● 16 U.S.C. 661-666. Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act. “…the Secretary of the Interior is authorized…to provide assistance to, and cooperate with, Federal, State, and public or private agencies and organizations in the development, protection, rearing, and stocking of all species of wildlife, resources thereof, and their habitat,”

● 16 U.S.C. § 396b. “Effective July 1, 1961, the detached portion of the Hawaii National Park which lies on the island of Maui is established as a separate unit of the national park system to be known as Haleakalā National Park.”

● 33 U.S.C. §1251. Clean Water Act. “The objective of this chapter is to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters.”

● Executive Order 1190. Protection of Wetlands. “Each agency shall provide leadership and shall take action to minimize the destruction, loss or degradation of wetlands, and to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial values of wetlands in carrying out the agency’s responsibilities…”

● Executive Order 11988. Floodplain Management. “Each agency shall provide leadership and shall take action to…restore and preserve the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains in carrying out its responsibilities…”

● Public Law 95-348. An Act to authorize appropriations for certain insular areas of the United States. “…the War in the Pacific National Historical Park is hereby established.”

● Public Law 96-565. An Act to establish the Kalaupapa National Historical Park. “…to provide that the preservation and interpretation of the settlement be managed and performed in management and interpretation of the settlement’s cultural, historical, educational, and scenic resources.”

● Public Law 100-571. An Act to establish the National Park of American Samoa. “…to preserve and protect the tropical forest and…preserve the ecological balance of the Samoan tropical forest.”

● Public Law 105-391. National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998. “The Secretary is authorized and directed to assure that management of units of the National Park System is enhanced by the availability and utilization of a broad program of the highest quality science and information… The Secretary shall undertake a program of inventory and monitoring of National Park System resources to establish baseline information and to provide information on the long-term trends in the condition of National Park System resources.”

1 Background and Objectives

The primary mission of the National Park Service (NPS) is to preserve natural and cultural resources unimpaired for future generations, as stated in the Organic Act of 1916 (NPS 1916; Dilsaver 2016).

In 1998, the Secretary of the Interior was instructed to monitor long-term trends in natural resources, as stated in the National Parks Omnibus Management Act (NPS 1998). In response, the NPS created a plan to consolidate and expand existing natural resource monitoring programs (NPS 1999). Parks were further mandated to determine the quality of aquatic natural resources and avoid contamination, to “perpetuate surface waters…as integral components of park…systems” (NPS 2006). Subsequently, the Inventory and Monitoring Division (IMD) was created, assigning national park system units to new biogeographically defined programs called networks (Fancy et al. 2009). IMD monitoring was organized around “vital signs,” or physical, chemical, and biological elements and processes of ecosystems that represent the overall health or condition of park resources, stressors, or other important elements. Monitored resources include water, air, geological features, plants, animals, and natural processes. Water quality, widely used as an indicator of aquatic resource condition, was designated as a high priority vital sign in the Pacific Island Network (PACN; HaySmith et al. 2006).

1.1 The Pacific Island Network

A water quality protocol was implemented by PACN in 2007 across 10 national park units on islands in the Pacific Ocean (Figure 1). Four of these parks, including Haleakalā National Park (HALE), Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KALA), War in the Pacific National Historical Park (WAPA), and National Park of American Samoa (NPSA), encompass perennial streams. Potential threats to these streams include climate change, water diversion, chemical and microbial contamination, nutrient enrichment, invasive species, and sedimentation.

Version one of the PACN water quality protocol addressed freshwater, brackish, and saline ecosystems including streams, anchialine pools, lakes, wetlands, and marine nearshore habitats. The original protocol consisted of several published documents, including a narrative (Jones et al. 2011a), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs; Jones et al. 2011b), and Reference Materials, which were published as a stand-alone appendix (Jones et al. 2011c). Revision of the PACN water quality protocol has been split into three documents covering marine areas (Raikow et al. 2023), streams (this document), and lentic ecosystems (Raikow et al., in prep.). While the original protocol contains useful information, such as conceptual models, this revision replaces the original protocol with respect to stream methodology. In addition, a Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) applicable to all PACN water quality protocols has been published (Raikow and Kozar 2023), along with SOPs made available on the NPS DataStore. There will no longer be a separate, published Reference Materials (Appendix) document.

Figure 1. Park units of the Pacific Island Network. Pearl Harbor National Memorial and Honoʻuliʻuli National Historic Site are not currently monitored by PACN.

NPS

For a general review of monitoring see HaySmith et al. (2006). For justifications of aquatic ecosystem monitoring on Pacific islands see Jones et al. (2011a). For discussions of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, biogeochemistry, and climate change see Raikow et al. (2023). Further information on tropical stream ecology relevant to natural resources monitored by PACN may be found in Raikow et al. (2024). This protocol revision represents a “full scientific protocol review” as outlined by IMD (Mitchell et al. 2018). The review was initiated after completing baseline trend analysis of water quality in Waikolu Stream (Raikow et al. 2024), review of stream water quality data (e.g., Raikow and Farahi 2014, 2015, 2016), and a new power analysis of water quality parameters in streams monitored by PACN (Appendix A).

1.2 Scientific Review Rationale

The purpose of periodic comprehensive scientific review of monitoring protocols is to assess current methods in the light of data collected for 10 years under those methods and determine if major changes to methodology are warranted. Such action is required by both IMD (Mitchell et al. 2018) and the original PACN water quality protocol (Jones et al. 2011a). In contrast, over the course of a long-term monitoring program small adjustments can be made to methodology that do not affect the overall sampling regime, and such adjustments are recorded within SOPs.

1.3 Considerations Affecting Protocol Design

Many components are necessary for the overall design of high-quality monitoring protocols, including clear objectives, defined geographic boundaries, and appropriate sampling design (Lindenmayer and Likens 2010). Safety of personnel is also a high priority (see SOP#1: Safety Protocol, for procedures, checklists, and other materials). For example, sampling in the interest of meeting data collection goals that would require putting personnel at unacceptable risk is prohibited.

Further factors affecting this revision include logistical constraints, cost limitations, the PACN stream animal monitoring protocol (Brasher et al. 2011), consultation with the NPS Water Resources Division, and analysis of data collected to date. With respect to water quality monitoring in streams, major aspects of the sampling regime that must be evaluated critically include number of sample sites, location of sample sites, and sampling frequency. These considerations must be made within the ecological context of ecosystem structures and processes.

Because of the unique physical characteristic of linear flow, water in streams derived from wide ranging drainage networks is mixed at tributary confluences and amalgamated at stream mouths.

Hence, water quality monitoring programs must choose where to place a limited number of sample sites within a branching drainage network made up of nested sub-watersheds. In theory, such a drainage network can be monitored as whole by sampling a single downstream site. However, many statistical evaluations of alternative lotic water quality sample site placement regimes evaluate large river networks thousands of kilometers long (e.g., Dobbie et al. 2008; Park et al. 2006; Stevens and Olsen 2004), or cover huge areas such as entire American states (e.g., Bunn and Smith 2002; Larsen et al. 2008). These sampling designs place sample sites on tributaries to large rivers that integrate nested watersheds that, while smaller than the whole for the river, are themselves frequently thousands of square kilometers in size.

Other approaches to lotic sample site placement consider where the site may be within local geomorphic contexts within the larger drainage network, and with respect to hydrologic processes that can change dramatically with increasing discharge as streams converge to become large rivers (e.g., Montgomery and MacDonald 2002). Such designs account for considerations that could warrant additional monitoring sites, such as the presence of a potential point-source of contamination, differences in land use or land cover within sub-watersheds, and sheer size. While all of the statistical evaluations of alternative sample regimes cited above are perfectly valid and scientifically important, small tropical islands do not fit these models well.

Patterns observed in streams monitored by PACN, e.g., Waikolu Stream in KALA, illustrate the limitation of applying sampling regimes designed for vast areas to small islands. Waikolu Stream drains a 12 km2, undeveloped, well-protected watershed with no point-sources of contamination.

There are no major land cover differences between the areas drained by tributaries. Analysis of longitudinal water quality spatial patterns showed only minute absolute differences (Raikow et al.

2023). Such patterns were only detectable due to an unusually dense set of sample sites relative to discrete short-term studies, an unintended by-product of the original sampling regime. While scientifically interesting, high-resolution study of subtle ecosystem processes was not within the purview of the protocol. Further, temporal patterns at individual sample sites were highly correlated with time-series data derived from all other sites in the same stream, illustrating little variation among sites, and such patterns were observed at other PACN monitored streams including those of HALE, NPSA, and WAPA (see data in Raikow and Farahi 2014, 2015, 2016). Based on analyses of PACN-monitored streams, it was therefore recommended that the number of sample sites in streams be reduced, e.g., from eight sites sampled four times a year to one site sampled twice a year in Waikolu Stream (Raikow et al. 2023). Further, all streams monitored by PACN were evaluated to examine whether the power to detect change could be maintained with fewer sample sites and fewer sampling events (Appendix A).

Two patterns found in streams monitored by PACN additionally affected modification of protocol methodology: variability of NO3

- + NO2

-, and spatially heterogeneous physical conditions such as forested reaches and reaches within villages. NO3

- + NO2

- was more variable than TDN or TDP in Waikolu Stream (Raikow et al. 2024), and high variability of NO3

- + NO2

- was observed in streams of NPSA (Raikow and Farahi 2015), streams of HALE (Raikow and Farahi 2016), and the Asan River of WAPA (Raikow and Farahi 2014). The variability of NO3

- + NO2

-was reflected in the power analysis by frequently requiring more sites to achieve a designated level of power when compared to TDN or TDP (Appendix A). Hence, the power goal for NO3

- + NO2

- was defined differently compared to TDN and TDP in the objectives (see below). The considerations below were made concerning the location and number of sample sites and sampling frequency, and it is noted below when these were used as part of the decision making process for the location and number of sites.

● Practical limitation: Accessibility to streams monitored by PACN ranges considerably. For example, Fagatuitui Stream in NPSA drains a small watershed of 0.2 km2, has a maximum elevation of 343 m, and can be sampled during a day hike. In contrast, Palikea Stream in HALE drains a watershed of 20.6 km2, has maximum elevation of 2320 m, and requires helicopter operations to access heavily forested high altitude reaches. Hence, full channel lengths are not accessible on a regular basis for some streams.

● Safety: PACN parks represent safety challenges for PACN operations. In particular, the choice of safe sample sites is limited by the physical environment in the form of dense forest, lack of trails, exceptionally tall waterfalls and cliffs, deep gulches with limited routes of escape, frequent rock falls, flash flooding, limited contingency resources in the form of long response times by distantly located emergency services and potential need for backcountry rescue, and communication limited by radio-dead zones and lack of cell phone coverage.

● Statistical Power: Generally, the fewest number of sites needed to achieve desired power was chosen for each stream. In some streams, however, the number of sites required to achieve power varied between parameters (Appendix A). Due to practical limitations, including budget, it was not possible to achieve desired power for all parameters in all streams.

● Stream size: Generally, the furthest downstream, safely accessible, fully freshwater site (not under influence of marine inputs as would be found at stream mouths) was selected.

Additional locations included sites above a confluence in order to sample a sub-watershed.

Small streams with small watersheds generally had fewer sites than large streams. These decisions were supported by power analyses and are outlined below.

● Special circumstances: Some streams contained features of special management concern, e.g., Ohelo Gulch on Palikea Stream, warranting additional sample sites.

1.4 Protocol Objectives

The purpose of ecosystem monitoring is to understand patterns, induced naturally or otherwise, over time and space including both gradual and sudden change (NRC 1990). Clear objectives guide protocol development and contribute to the collection of data relevant to managers (Karydis and Kitsiou 2013). Here, monitoring serves the NPS mission by improving understanding of specific ecosystems under management. Change over time, or trends, alert park natural resource managers of the need to adjust broad management policies or acutely intervene in specific cases. Empirically establishing natural or current patterns allows unusual circumstances or aberrant events to be identified. Hence, the overall goal of this protocol is to provide timely, easily understood, and relevant information on stream water quality to park managers and the public. The objectives of this revised protocol remain the same as the first PACN water quality protocol (Jones et al. 2011a), with the exception that determining the ranges of parameter values has been removed because sufficient data to calculate ranges has been collected or baseline reports describing these values are published (e.g., Raikow and Farahi 2014, 2015, 2016). The primary focus of the program is to evaluate change over time, with specific magnitudes of parameter change to be detected, defined, and quantified using updated power analyses.

The scientific objectives of this protocol are:

● To collect high-quality time-series data on TDP, TDN, NO3

- + NO2

-, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, chlorophyll, and turbidity in the perennial streams of PACN parks; to analyze spatial and temporal patterns of water quality parameters, including statistically identifiable trends; and to communicate findings in briefing statements, reports, and publications.

● To be able to detect a 50% change in TDP, 50% change in TDN, 100% change in NO3

NO2

-, 10% change in temperature, 0.5 value change in pH, 10% change in oxygen saturation, 400% change in specific conductance, 400% change in chlorophyll, and 400% change in turbidity; over 10 years with at least 80% power, using alpha of 0.05; to the extent possible.

2 Sampling Design

In accordance with IMD protocol revision guidance and the requirement to use data collected under the original protocol to improve future monitoring efforts, this protocol revision includes changes to methodology based on observations and analyses of data collected to date. Proposed approaches to evaluating changes were evaluated in meetings with the PACN Aquatic Ecologist, PACN Program Manager, regional IMD manager, service wide IMD deputy, and NPS Water Resource Division staff.

This section defines sampling design elements, describes the original design used and what has been learned from sampling under that design, and describes a modified design created in response to observations and the protocol objectives above. Likewise, data obtained under the present protocol will serve as the empirical basis for future refinements.

2.1 Summary of Methodological Changes

Changes to the protocol and associated justifications are summarized in Table 2. The objectives of the protocol were modified by removing the goal of determining ranges from water quality parameters and specifying how much change (delta, δ, see 2.2.2 Power, below) the methodology should be able to detect to the extent possible.