About ecohealth report cards

Imagine if your research could mobilize volunteers to protect their local river...
or inspire politicians to fund restoration activities...
or stimulate engineers to devise ways to reduce pollution...

That's just what we've achieved.

Our environmental report cards synthesize data from scientists and volunteers and convert it into an image-rich format that is easily accessible to a wide audience. Report cards also tap into a powerful human motivator: peer pressure. Civic leaders and community members can compare their grades with their neighbors, and we have learned that these comparisons lead to a desire for better environmental outcomes in their own backyard.

For nearly two decades our team has worked both at the local level with river protection groups, and developed assessments of iconic ecosystems such as the Chesapeake Bay (USA) and the Great Barrier Reef (Australia). These environmental report cards have been used to catalyze improvements in ecosystem health, guide restoration efforts, and stimulate relevant research.

We can't just study environmental problems any more.

We need to use science to inspire real change.


Great Barrier Reef report card cover.

Kudos from the Great Barrier Reef

The IAN team were contracted to support the production of the first Reef Plan Great Barrier Reef Report Card based on their proven international track record in this field. The team delivered well above expectations providing interdisciplinary expertise in water quality, ecosystem health, science communication and integration. Based on this success, the team were contracted again to support the production of the second report card.

Chris Chinn, Reef Plan Secretariat
NPS National Resource Condition Assessments

Kudos from the National Parks Service

Working with IAN is transformative. Their team of science communicators and integrators help you tackle environmental challenges head-on, often using thoughtful and innovative approaches. IAN's engaging approach to science communication and translation can shape knowledge into action. I know, because I have seen their products effectively used by researchers and managers alike.

Shawn Carter, National Park Service
Canoes and marsh in the Maryland Coastal Bays

Kudos from the Maryland Coastal Bays

Our “Shifting Sands” book, report card, and State of the Bays report are three of the most highly regarded publications in the conservation field. IAN’s work to put them together has taken our program to a new level.

Dave Wilson, Maryland Coastal Bays Program
Aerial view of Baltimore Harbor.

Kudos from Baltimore Harbor

Understanding the ecological health of Baltimore Harbor is an essential first step towards making our urban waters safe for swimming and fishing. The research and wealth of knowledge provided by the EcoCheck team has been invaluable to the Healthy Harbor Initiative.

Adam Lindquist, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, Inc.