Saving the Chesapeake Bay
explanatory Essay
2016 words
Introduction
The Chesapeake Bay is a large estuary located on the east coast of the United States. The bay is over 200 miles long and goes through Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. The bay has much to offer the locals. Many locals have made a career out of harvesting the bay's sea food. The bay's harvest and many of its other attractions bring tourists and in turn revenue for the area. Oysters and blue crab are a big part of the culture in the bay area. However, these organisms are in danger and need help.
Description of the problem
Eutrophication is a concern in the Chesapeake Bay. Eutrophication is caused by excessive amounts of nutrients. Excessive nutrients in the bay have negative affects on the bay's ecosystem. The extra nutrients make the environment unbalanced. The extra nutrients cause a chain reaction that depletes oxygen and kills most of the organisms in that area. This is what is known as a dead zone.
Organization of the paper
First the causes of the dead zone will be introduced. Large contributors of excessive nutrients will be discussed. There is not one source to blame the Chesapeake Bay dead zone is a large problem with many variables that effect each other. Next the pressure that is put on the bay and its organisms will be discussed. A picture of what you might find out in the dead zone will be painted. The reality of the rapidly declining organism populations will be understood. Third, the possible solutions will be explained. Since this is a multiple variable problem there are many potential solutions that may or may not work. Last the lack of action will be observed. There are many solutions that could bring the bay back to life but the cost and lack of effort fr...
... middle of paper ...
...will see more progress than when the scientific community is left to solve all the problems. The only way we will see results is if everyone pulls together and assists in conquering this problem. People better pull together quick before the bay is left for dead.
Works Cited
Baker, William C., and Tom Horton. "Runoff and the Chesapeake Bay." GreenFILE. EBSCO, Nov.-Dec. 1990. Web. 1 Mar. 2014.
Jacobson, Rebecca. "Oysters Reclaim Ancient Reefs in the Chesapeake." PBS. PBS, 25 Sept. 2013. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.
Powledge, Fred. "Chesapeake Bay Restoration: A Model of What?" GreenFILE. EBSCO, Dec. 2005. Web. 1 Mar. 2014.
Virginia Institute of Marine Science. "'Dead zone' impacts Chesapeake Bay fishes." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 8 July 2013.
Winegrad, Gerald. "Bay Agreement Efforts Are Foundering.". Chesapeake Bay Action Plan, 16 Dec. 2013. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the chesapeake bay is a large estuary located on the east coast of the united states.
- Explains that eutrophication is a concern in the chesapeake bay. excessive nutrients make the environment unbalanced and deplete oxygen.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay dead zone is a large problem with many variables that effect each other. the pressure that is put on the bay and its organisms will be discussed.
- Explains that the works referred to in this paper are a culmination of research, hypothetical planning, and articles reporting on what is going on in the restoration of the bay.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay is in terrible condition and scientists are well aware and addressing the problem.
- Explains that peter kleinman's study showed cows defecating directly into streams caused excessive phosphorus in the watershed. john schmidt has been researching how farmers can better fertilize their crops.
- Explains that the dead zone in the chesapeake bay is a large scale problem that will take many years to fix. if agriculture, land development, and sewage runoff are properly addressed, the goals of bay restoration will be met.
- Explains that the dead zone is caused by excessive nitrogen and phosphorus that is put into the bay.
- Opines that if the time is taken to do the research and test the theories then those solutions should be tried.
- Recommends that strict laws be put into place and incentives be offered for states that meet these requirements. if policymakers and business owners work together, they will see more progress than when the scientific community is left to solve the problems.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay takes up a large part of land but it is not very deep and does not contain much water.
- Explains that the pollution in the chesapeake bay causes a chain reaction that is slowly killing the bay and its organisms.
- Opines that the lack of responsibility assumed by political leaders makes predicting what occurs in the bay near impossible.
Related
- explanatory
- analytical
- opinion
- The Importance Of The Chesapeake Bay In The United Statesexplanatory essayThe Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. The bay holds eighteen hundred trillion gallons of water and stretches over 200 miles in length between its most northern point, the Susquehanna River to the Bay’s most southern tip, the Atlantic Ocean. Home to more than seventeen million people, the Chesapeake Bay is the primary water source for over 150 rivers and streams. Because of the vast amount of rivers and streams the bay feeds, this watershed impacts the lives of citizens on the eastern shore spanning a total of six U.S. states. The importance of the Chesapeake Bay is incredible; two of the United States’ five major North Atlantic ports – Baltimore and Hampton Roads – are on the Bay. (Chesapeake Bay Program, n/d). The highly productive ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay provides food and shelter for a wide variety of plant and animal life in and surrounding the Bay. The critical natural resources the bay provides stimulates economic growth and has for centuries.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the importance of the chesapeake bay, the largest estuary in the united states.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay's oyster population has declined due to over harvesting, agricultural runoff, and disease.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay was once abundant with oysters dating back to about 5,000 years ago. the reefs were actually hazards to ships sailing through the bay.
- Explains that people began to use and eat oysters around 4,500 years ago, shell deposits called middens were created as people harvested the oyster.
- Explains that europeans and natives only harvested oysters around the shore in shallow water. in the colonial time there were not enough people to make an impact on oyster stock, so the oyster population continued to grow.
- Explains that new england fishermen developed a device to pick up hundreds of oysters and rip out their reef called dredges, which negatively affected the oyster home.
- Explains the inventions that led to the fall of oysters, such as steam powered ships, canning machines, and dredges.
- Explains that maryland's harvest jumped to 5,000,000 bushels of oysters and virginians claimed 2,000,000. oyster shells were being consumed for grit, agricultural lime, and building fill.
- Explains how captains resorted to tricking men with liquor, drugging them, and then "shanghaiing" them to the oyster boats. state laws were passed from 1890-1906 to improve work conditions.
- Explains that by the 1920s, the annual take was around three to five million bushels because of overharvesting, but now it's less than one percent of what it used to be.
- Explains that dermo disease is caused by a single celled protozoan parasite. it is spread from oyster to oyster through the water.
- Explains that dermo disease fluctuates greatly due to temperature and salinity but is still dangerous and deadly to the chesapeake bay oysters.
- Explains that dermo is not the only disease infecting oysters. there is another disease called msx, which has had a very large impact on the bay's oyster population.
- Explains that chesapeake bay oysters are developing resistance to the pair of diseases—msx and dermo—that have helped push populations of these iconic shellfish to one percent of historical levels.
- Explains that over harvesting and disease has pushed oysters to the brink of extinction. agriculture is necessary for human survival.
- Analyzes how the chemicals and nutrients helped the formation and growth of algae in the bay. the algae is sucking the oxygen out of the water, creating dead zones.
- Explains that oysters in the chesapeake bay are almost depleted, and the cities that rose with the industry are taking a heavy toll.
- Explains that oyster sanctuaries are an area blocked from waterman to help oysters grow unharmed. the stronger and bigger reefs provide habitat for other animals crucial to the water quality of the bay.
- Explains that oyster sanctuaries clean the surrounding waters, restore dead-zones, and help the growth of oysters.
- Explains that scientists began breeding new oysters in hopes of restoring the bay. aquaculture is keeping the oyster industry in balance economically speaking.
- Suggests that farmers create grass or forest buffers between personal property and tributaries to the bay, which will help stop runoff water from pollution.
- Explains that cover crops are planted in open fields designed to cover the farm land. they are usually grown after the main crop is harvested.
- Explains that some farmers are creating nutrients plans to reduce nutrient pollution while maintaining crop production and increasing farm profits. this technique allows farmers to spend less money on expensive chemicals to treat their crop.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay oysters are near the brink of extinction.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay's oyster restoration program is on the right path with new plans president obama put in place.
2817 wordsRead More - Ocean Decidification: The Health Of The Chesapeake Bayexplanatory essayThe Chesapeake Bay lies in three states-- Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Although this estuary lies in 3 different states, the tributaries that contribute water to the bay lie in many different states, extending from New York to West Virginia and Virginia. Therefore, the health of the bay is a national problem, as its health strongly depends on our actions that we perform throughout the nation
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the health of the chesapeake bay is a national problem, as its health depends on our actions throughout the nation.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay is a lively and diverse estuary that holds blue crabs, oysters and scallops. any impact that we have on the oceans affects the life and health of the bay.
- Explains that ocean acidification affects the chesapeake bay and the businesses that depend on it.
- Explains that acidification in many bodies of water absorbs carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, but the oceans absorb parts of that, increasing the acidity.
- Explains that acidification poses many harms to the ecosystem of the chesapeake bay.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay has a large land-to-water ratio of 14:1. their actions on the land will largely affect the bay.
- Explains that the acidification of the bay affects organisms that have a skeleton or shell. crabs, oysters and clams all have shells made of calcium carbonate.
- Explains that if ocean acidification increases at a constant rate, and the ph level of the water continues to decrease rapidly, the oceans and chesapeake will soon become corrosive to these unprotected shells.
- Opines that if the acidity continues to increase, the survival of these species of waterbirds will be hindered.
- Opines that there must be more widespread knowledge about ocean acidification, especially in the chesapeake bay and its watershed, in order for this major problem to be halted.
- Opines that there must be more outreach and legislation in the near future to analyze the science available about ocean acidification to educate the public about this large problem.
1153 wordsRead More - Pollution in Chesapeake Bayexplanatory essayChesapeake Bay Television commercials, print ads, and billboards in the Washington, DC, area are asking residents to connect two things many might find unrelated: lawn care and seafood. In one commercial, a man stuffs a big plateful of grass in his mouth after a voice-over says, “Spring rains carry excess lawn fertilizers through our sewers and rivers and into the Chesapeake Bay, where the blue crab harvest has been extremely low. So skip the fertilizer until fall, because once they’re gone, what’s left to enjoy?”(Environment, p. 7) This ad is directed to many people in the Chesapeake Bay region because there are tons of pollution each year that are destroying the nation’s largest estuary, or part of a body of water where the fresh and salt water mix, and are also killing the Bay’s crabs, oysters, and fish, which is a huge industry in the area and also something the state of Maryland is known nationally for (Environment, p. 8). Pollution is destroying the Chesapeake Bay every single day, however now people are taking steps in the right direction to fix this problem but many people fear that time has run out.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that television commercials, print ads, and billboards in the washington, dc, area are asking residents to connect lawn care and seafood.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay region is ravaged by tons of pollution each year, which kills crabs, oysters and fish. people are taking steps to fix the problem but fear that time has run out.
- Opines that the amazing part about the steps being taken to try to save the chesapeake bay is how much scientists and people who carry out legislation in the local and state governments are working together to create policies on businesses.
- Explains that scientists have given an unthinkable amount of attention to the bay of the past several years and researchers from countless agencies and institutions have dove deep into the issues and studied every nook and cranny to create answers to every politicians’ questions.
- Explains the complex problems that face the chesapeake bay, including phosphorus, nitrogen, algae, and grasses on the seafloor.
- Opines that the chesapeake bay was not out of trouble by only having to deal with the problems of the nutrients runoff.
- Explains that more than fifty-percent of its wetlands and watersheds forests had been destroyed, including animal and human wastes and agricultural fertilizers.
- Opines that the baltimore-washington d.c. area is considered a wonderful area by most and is also visited by millions every year.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay foundation's annual report rated the water quality at an all-time low, which is not good for industry.
- Explains that the fish in the chesapeake bay and itstributaries are stuffed with pcbs, mercury, and other contaminants. millions of dollars have been spent and progress to save the bay is not being made.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay is one of america's enduring cultural and historically treasure. millions of dollars have been poured into projects, research groups, and agencies to fix the problems with the bay.
- Explains that the large-scale model of the chesapeake bay has not been the only attempt at saving it. the environmental protection agency put in place a $27 million dollar study that would research the bay’s environment.
- Describes the 1983 chesapeake bay agreement, signed by the governors of maryland, virginia, and pennsylvania, the mayor of the district of columbia and the epa administration.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay agreement had begun to give detailed information on what was going to be done to restore the beauty of the bay.
- Explains that pfisteria piscidia brought massive fish kills in several bay tributaries and sickness to some watermen. many observers suspected a connection between the organism and the vast quantities of manure that pour off factory chicken farms.
- Explains that the large volume of manure that deposited itself into the water was from the huge chicken farms off maryland's eastern shore.
- Opines that the chesapeake bay can still be restored and become a profitable, beautiful bay.
1862 wordsRead More - Watershedexplanatory essayA watershed is an area of land that contributes water to a river, lake, wetland, bay or any other body of water, small or large. Watersheds are also known as basins or drainage basins, as they do “drain” off into a larger body of water. There are watersheds all around us. Small streams and creeks are also considered watersheds; so even if you don’t know it, you too live in a watershed. Watersheds consist of all surface water, as well as all ground and underground water. There are watersheds of many different sizes. We Virginia residents live in one of the largest watersheds in the world. The Chesapeake Bay watershed is said to be larger than 64,000 square miles and embody six different states. The six states to which the Chesapeake Bay watershed surrounds are as follows: New York, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, the District of Columbia, and of course, Virginia. The Chesapeake Bay watershed houses more than 17 million people in total. Another fact—a total of 150 creeks, streams, and rivers drain into the Chesapeake Bay River. The Susquehanna, York, Rappahannock, Potomac,and James rivers are the five largest rivers that flow into the Chesapeake Bay watershed.I will be focusing on the latter in this paper—the James River.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that a watershed is an area of land that contributes water to rivers, lakes, wetland, bays, or any other body of water.
- Explains that the james river is virginia's largest of the major rivers feeding the chesapeake bay watershed.
- Explains that the james river watershed consists of three different sections: the upper james watershed, the middle james, and the lower james.
- Explains that the james river association has put together a management plan for the watershed in an effort to clean the river and its surrounding water supply.
- Explains that the watershed management plan was developed using 80 stakeholders and aims to implement an education/outreach, and monitoring program to take place throughout the state.
- Explains that marine grasses are affected by pollutants running to the susquehanna river, which affect migrating waterfowl. norfolk is one of the busiest ports in the country.
- Opines that urban sprawl in richmond is polluting the james river with extra run-off from the added population of people.
- Opines that we need to start disposing of our chemicals in a more environmentally friendly manner, which would bring the oxygen levels up dramatically for the fish and shellfish in the bay.
- Explains that the james river association accepts volunteers to assist with the care of the chesapeake river watershed and its sub-watersheds.
925 wordsRead More - Oyster Populationsexplanatory essayThe decline of native Eastern Oyster, Crassostrea virginica, in the Chesapeake Bay has had both economic and ecological consequences on its surrounding community. Ecologically oysters are not only ecosystem engineers, but also keystone species within their community, meaning without them other organisms are drastically affected. Economically, oysters are a valuable commodity which has led to a considerable deterioration of oyster populations. Over harvesting and destruction of habitat can be attributed to great reductions of the oyster population. A sharp decrease in oyster populations leads to a loss in the ecosystem services they provide which in turns negatively affects the Chesapeake Bay. Due to this reduction various strategies have been implemented to revive the oyster population.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the decline of native eastern oyster crassostrea virginica in the chesapeake bay has had both economic and ecological consequences on its surrounding community.
- Opines that overharvesting, destruction of oyster reefs, and diseases have all contributed to the deterioration of the chesapeake oysters.
- Explains that the diminishing population of oysters in the chesapeake bay has disturbed its ecological community on a spatial scale.
- Explains that oysters' ability to filter feed improves the water quality of the estuary, reduces algal blooms, and allows for the growth of sea grass. eutrophication occurs when there is an overabundance of nutrients.
711 wordsRead More - The History Of Coal Mining In Pennsylvaniaanalytical essay... the residual effects of pollution left behind by both mining in the Chesapeake Bay area around rivers, such as the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, that feed into the Chesapeake Bay. Lutz also had quoted John Dawes, now the executive director of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, on the damage done to streams and to the aquatic life in the streams. Dawes told Lutz "'we're looking at 4,600 miles of dead streams in Pennsylvania'" in reference to the vitality in polluted regions. This can occur in several ways but the two generally accepted causes are the toxicity levels in the water are too high to support life and the contaminated water is slowly killing off members of the food chains for the aquatic life. In either theory, the death of fish and their food chain caused by AMD is impacting the billion dollar fishing industry that calls Chesapeake Bay home.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that pennsylvania was rich in coal, natural gas, and other forms of energy, which led to the establishment of many mines and railroads. coal mining was at an all-time high until tragedy struck on 22 january 1959.
- Analyzes how pennsylvania's participation in the production of natural gas has led to increased revenue for the state and combated the unemployment crisis.
- Explains that the natural gas industry has been taking flack from the environmental concerns raised by fracking — the process of injecting liquids at very high pressures in order to extract oil and/or gas from underground.
- Analyzes how lara lutz' article, "mining operations' legacy a mother lode of acid drainage," illustrates the desolation caused by the residual effects of pollution left behind by both mining in the chesapeake bay area around rivers.
998 wordsRead More - Maryland's Ecology and Environmentexplanatory essayexisting rivers and craving out new waterways. The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries grew and
In this essay, the author
- Explains that since 1927, the commission has acquired over 13,300 acres of stream valley and river parks.
- Explains that pigs, cattle, horses, and fowl were fenced out of house yards and ranged free.
- Explains that 80 percent of the land was cleared of trees, resulting in a summary.
- Explains that coastal woods and beaches support a variety of plant and animal life.
- Opines that oceans and the chesapeake bay have been damaged by pollution.
- Explains how the district of columbia and the federal government have worked to improve and save our coastal areas.
- Explains the geography and geology of the chesapeake bay region.
- Explains that crab, oyster, and fish populations in our waterways are declining due to overfishing.
- Opines that we must realize we and our environment are interdependent. if we continue to abuse and destroy, the environment will be destroyed.
- Explains that maryland is the 42nd largest state, making it one of the smaller states in america. it is located in the south atlantic region on the united states eastern seaboard.
- Explains that their paper will focus on prince george's county and the state of maryland.
- Explains that maryland has many fresh water ecosystems, including prince george's county, and several streams and rivers that feed into the county.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay and its tributaries grew and formed as the ice age ended, and are home to several species of fish.
- Opines that maryland and prince george's counties are trying to save and restore these fresh water fish.
- Explains that european settlers cut down native forests at a high rate and the timber was sold in europe. environmental activists have been fighting for decades to preserve these endangered habitats for the animals.
- Predicts sea level will rise at least twice as fast as it did during the 20th century, resulting in a 1-foot rise by 2050 and between 2-3 feet by 2100.
- Believes maryland will fare better than parts of the world that lack the money and resources that are in this area when it comes to climate change.
1051 wordsRead More - Pollution Problems Concerning the Long Island Soundopinion essay"The Long Island Sound is a national treasure, to be prized for its beauty, abundant and diverse resources, and recreational and commercial opportunities" (Long Island Sound Study). It is true that for many of the residents of the area the Long Island Sound is a source of inspiration and renewal. The Sound is widely believed to be the most substantial natural component adding to the beauty of the entire island. The Long Island Sound provides more then just beautiful scenery, but crucial natural elements that aide both human and animal residents. Despite all that the sound provides, it suffers many of the same problems as most natural features, pollution. The sound is a crucial part in maintaining the quality of life on Long Island, so its protection, preservation, and restoration are imperative.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the long island sound is a national treasure, valued for its beauty, abundant and diverse resources, and recreational and commercial opportunities.
- Explains that the long island sound is an estuary where salt water mixes with fresh water from rivers that drain from the land. it provides breeding, feeding, nesting, and nursery areas for many species.
- Explains that the long island sound is an ideal location for recreational and commercial purposes. it is considered among the most important and valuable estuaries in the world.
- Explains that most residents of long island think of themselves as independent from their natural surroundings. they don't pay enough attention to the relationships among themselves and the plants and animals around them.
- Explains that people cause the leading causes of problems in the long island sound.
- Explains that industrialization on long island adds pollutants into the sound, such as nutrients, floatables, and pathogens.
- Explains that heavy metals, such as copper, lead, cadmium, mercury, zinc, and chromium, are a serious concern for water pollution in the long island sound.
- Explains that soil erosion and sedimentation are a significant source of pollution entering the long island sound.
- Explains that large areas of the long island sound are impaired as habitat for fish and shellfish because of low dissolved oxygen levels.
- Explains that the region surrounding the long island sound has always been considered an extremely desirable place to live, causing a major population influx since world war ii.
- Describes the long island sound study, a government-sponsored program dedicated to defining, understanding, and recommending methods for managing the environmental health of the sound.
- Opines that the restoration of the long island sound must be a combined effort of all those who reside near the sound.
- Opines that the long island sound should be protected, preserved, and restored.
- Opines that reducing nitrogen in wastewater to protect a region's waterways is the goal of biocycle.
- Analyzes joe, brancatelli's article, "what is polluting our beaches?" popular science.
- Analyzes spiegal's "unsound proposal?: concern on the coast, classical conflict again unfolds: energy vs. environment." hartford courant.
- Explains that tedesco, mark a., "this fine piece of water: an environmental history of long island sound."
2479 wordsRead More - Salt Marsh and the Chesapeake Bay: Saving the Maryland Blue Crabexplanatory essayThe Maryland Blue Crab is an essential part of the Chesapeake Bay; from the food chain of the creatures in the water, to the business side of the thriving demand for the crab during the hot summer months, but there is no denying the fact that the crab is just as important alive as it is when it is being harvested by local fisherman. By becoming more informed of the impact the crab has on Maryland’s bay and on the people who live around it, people can take bigger steps in making sure the crab will always be around for decades to come.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the maryland blue crab is a key component on the ecological system of the chesapeake bay, as well as an economic component of commercial fisheries.
- Explains that blue crabs have the highest value of any chesapeake bay commercial fishery — in 2000, the crab harvest was valued at $55 million.
- Explains that overharvesting is not the only problem the maryland blue crab has to face while occupying the chesapeake bay. irregular weather conditions, nutrients in excess and water quality have resulted in the underwater bay grass decreasing.
- Explains that although crabs are being overfished and habitats depleting rapidly, steps have been taken to save maryland’s precious crustacean.
- Explains that the maryland blue crab is an essential part of the chesapeake bay.
638 wordsRead More - Salt Marsh Ecosystemexplanatory essaySalt marshes, usually mistaken for a mosquito infested mud pits, have a higher purpose than what the human population gives them credit for. Salt marshes are a unique ecosystem that makes home to many different species of vertebrates, invertebrates and plants. Salt marsh ecosystem’s serve as nursery grounds for many juvenile game fish such as red fish and black drum and are also home to a very important commercial fish, the bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli). The salt marsh ecosystems also serve as a buffer by filtering the pollution out of our waters. Human industrialization is currently filling in the areas where these salt marshes are inhabited and is altering our coastline significantly. Many efforts are being made to help restore the salt marshes through rehabilitation, re-vegetation, and if needed re-creation. Once a salt marsh has been completely destroyed, despite the best efforts, that ecosystem will no longer function as well as it once did.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that salt marshes are a unique ecosystem that makes home to many different species of vertebrates, invertebrate and plants.
- Explains that salt marshes occur in the upper intertidal zone between open water and low-energy shorelines and are periodically flooded by high tide.
- Explains the amount of coastal wetlands that cover the earth is about 40 million acres and they make up 38 percent of the total wetland acreage in the united states.
- Explains that salt marshes are found on low energy shorelines where dune systems are not found. dune systems accumulate sediments due to wind factors.
- Explains that the salt marsh hydrology is controlled by lunar cycles and the topography of the land resulting in two tidal influences, semi-diurnal and diur
- Explains that flood zones can show patterns depending on how high the elevation is between each area. the regular flooded zone shows saturation at all times even during the lowest low tide, while the irregular flood zone has a different ecological pattern.
- Explains that salt marshes are more than what appears to the eye to most people. they provide flood protection during high sea levels due to storm surges and act as a sponge taking in excess water.
- Explains that salt marshes can keep up with rising sea levels due to their ability to retain sediments and keep building as long as human destruction decreases.
- Explains that salt marshes are made up of plants defined as halophytes, species that have adapted to complete their lifecycle in saline environments.
- Explains that vegetation diversity increases along the upper edges of the marsh with species such as salicornia sps., batis maritime, sporobolus virginicus, and limonium nashii.
- Explains that saltpans are hyper saline areas with in the marsh that flora and fauna species have a hard time adapting to.
- Explains that the salt marsh functions as a nursery for many fish species, providing protection to juvenile fishes from large predators and providing endless food supply.
- Explains that the salt marsh's most important attribute to the birds is nesting grounds.
- Explains that many invertebrates inhabit the salt marsh and take refuge there. they are constantly aerating the soils and consuming the vegetation.
- Explains that the nutria is an invasive rodent that has caused a good bit of damage on our southern salt marshes.
- Cites adams, paul, and clark, mark. gulf coast salt marshes. florida wetlands all about wetlands.
- Describes the coastal wetlands of the united states environmental protection agency and the friends of blackwater national wildlife refuge's nurtria fact sheet.
- Explains the importance of salt marshes and mangroves in marine conservation education.
- Explains the l i f e histories and enviromnental requirements of coastalfishes and invertebrates (mid-at1antic)--bay anchovy.
- Explains that noaa ocean service education's estuaries were revised 25 mar 2008, and that packham, j.r., a.j. willis and pomeroy published the ecology of a salt marsh.
- Explains that salt marshes serve as fish nurseries, according to science insights.
1853 wordsRead More