Author: National Research CouncilPublisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309172098
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 421
Book Description
Environmental problems in coastal ecosystems can sometimes be attributed to excess nutrients flowing from upstream watersheds into estuarine settings. This nutrient over-enrichment can result in toxic algal blooms, shellfish poisoning, coral reef destruction, and other harmful outcomes. All U.S. coasts show signs of nutrient over-enrichment, and scientists predict worsening problems in the years ahead. Clean Coastal Waters explains technical aspects of nutrient over-enrichment and proposes both immediate local action by coastal managers and a longer-term national strategy incorporating policy design, classification of affected sites, law and regulation, coordination, and communication. Highlighting the Gulf of Mexico's "Dead Zone," the Pfiesteria outbreak in a tributary of Chesapeake Bay, and other cases, the book explains how nutrients work in the environment, why nitrogen is important, how enrichment turns into over-enrichment, and why some environments are especially susceptible. Economic as well as ecological impacts are examined. In addressing abatement strategies, the committee discusses the importance of monitoring sites, developing useful models of over-enrichment, and setting water quality goals. The book also reviews voluntary programs, mandatory controls, tax incentives, and other policy options for reducing the flow of nutrients from agricultural operations and other sources.
Author: United States. Coastal Research and Monitoring Strategy Workgroup
Author: United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Author: 
Author: United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Author: United States. Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management
Author: United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Environment and Public Works. Subcommittee on Superfund, Ocean, and Water Protection
Author: United States. Congress. Senate. National Ocean Policy Study
Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment
Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment