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A coastal zone is often described as the coastal ocean and the land adjacent to it. Despite its relatively modest surface area, the coastal zone is one of the most geochemically and biologically active areas in of the biosphere. For example, it accounts for at least 15% of oceanic primary production; , 80% of organic matter burial; , 90% of sedimentary mineralization; , and 50% of the deposition of calcium carbonate. It also provides 90% of the world fish catch and its economic value has been recently estimated to comprise at least 40% of the total economic value of the world's ecosystem services and natural capital. Additionally, coastal areas contain large amounts of biodiversity. However, this region is changing rapidly under human influences; about 40% of the world's population lives within 100 km kilometers of the coastline. As a result, our goal is to create solutions that would mitigate the effects of these negative influences on coastal habitats and wild fish stocks. (Gattuso et al. 2007)
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Source: hickerphoto.com
The water hydrosphere on earth is a constantly changing, dynamic system; it water flows, evaporates, condenses, is stored, and is absorbed. Events in one waterway later affect downstream waters and the ocean. The impacts of coastal zones on marine ecosystems and fisheries are profound , not only because of the incredible biodiversity and biomass in coastal waters, but also because of the various ecosystem functions that coastal areas perform. Coastal and estuarine areas are often critical spawning and recruitment grounds; damages to the ecosystem and to fisheries there can have wide-ranging effects on the population populations elsewhere. Furthermore, many fish migrate upstream into fresh waters to spawn (anadromous fish, like shad) or live in freshwater and spawn in the ocean (catadromous fish, like eels); changes in water quality or physical habitat can destroy these populations by decimating their ability to reproduce. The connections between freshwater, estuarine, and marine areas are many and are not yet fully understood. However, we do know that in order for creatures to survive, they require food, water, and a place to live . An organism's habitat must include all of these things. for survival. Without an environment in which its basic needs can be are fulfilled, an organism cannot survive. As such, our group proposes to maximize habitat and water quality in these areas so as to minimize fish mortality from environmental factors.
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(5) Invasive species \[link to child page 6\] |
WHAT ARE THE PROPOSED SOLUTIONS?:
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*(1)** *{*}Water Quality Assessment and Regulation \[ link to child page 7\]* |
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