BRYAN P. PIAZZA has compiled and synthesized the body of scientific knowledge for the Atchafalaya River Basin, documenting the ecological state of the basin and providing a baseline of understanding. His research provides a crucial resource for future planning. He evaluates some common themes that have emerged from the research and identifies important scientific questions. BRYAN P. PIAZZA is director of freshwater and marine science at The Nature Conservancy, Louisiana, based in Baton Rouge, where he leads the applied science program in support of conservation projects. He also serves as a consultant, providing technical and scientific advice on a range of environmental issues.