An Executive Summary of the report is available.

This compilation of several reports explores progress since the 1960s to reduce pollutant loads in the Potomac River estuary and restore water quality and aquatic life to desirable levels. Completed in 1999 and written by scientists and managers studying the Potomac River Estuary, the report stated significant strides had been made to control pollutant loads and improve water quality. At the time, however, the Potomac had not recovered balanced, productive populations of aquatic life. The report concluded a more holistic, integrated restoration approach was needed.