Earth Gauge Tip of the Week — Protecting Estuaries

Reader Contribution by Earth Gauge
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Estuaries are partially enclosed bodies of water along the coast where fresh water from rivers and streams mixes with salt water from the ocean. Many estuaries lie along the Gulf of Mexico coast. Estuaries provide habitat for many species of birds, fish and mammals, as well as space for recreational activities, scientific study and aesthetic enjoyment. However, a recent national assessment showed that over 60 percent of estuaries in the United States have hypoxic areas of oxygen-poor water. Decomposing algae that accumulates in waters due to excess nutrients can rob water of oxygen that marine animals need to survive.

Viewer Tip: Plants and marshy areas around estuaries are good natural pollutant filters. But, when there are too many nutrients coming from upstream sources, even estuaries can’t filter them all out. Help reduce the amounts of nutrients reaching estuaries with these tips:

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