National Academies Press Clean Coastal Waters: Understanding and Reducing the Effects of Nutrient Pollution

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. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1 Understanding Nutrient Over-Enrichment: An Introduction 2 Combating Nutrient Over-Enrichment: Findings and Recommendations 3 Which Nutrients Matter? 4 What Are the Effects of Nutrient Over-Enrichment? 5 Sources of Nutrient Inputs to Estuaries and Coastal Waters 6 What Determines Susceptibility to Nutrient Over-Enrichment? 7 The Role of Monitoring and Modeling 8 Water Quality Goals 9 Source Reduction and Control References Appendix A Statement of Task and Committee and Staff Biographies Appendix B Acronyms and Abbreviations Appendix C Programmatic Approaches and Results of a Local Managers Questionnaire Appendix D Model Reviews Appendix E Related Websites Index