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This report sets criteria for ammonia to protect aquatic life in marine or saltwater ecosystems. The criteria to protect marine life are set for either continuous exposure to ammonia or for maximum acceptable concentrations. A major use of the criteria is to set ambient water quality objectives. The objectives are the criteria modified or adopted to protect the most sensitive water use in a particular body of water. They are used in the preparation of waste management permits, which are the only entity to have legal standing. However, they are not usually part of the permit. This report provides background information and the recommended criteria.