Dams and stream culverts. These structures may block fish migration and alter natural water flow necessary for successful fish reproduction. Farms contribute nutrients, sediment and chemicals. City streets and parking lots contribute toxic organics, heavy metals, and oil. Industrial and Municipal Waste.
Discharges often contain nutrients, bacteria, or toxic chemicals.
Recreational fishermen compete with commercial fishermen for a share of an already stressed resource. Development, much of it along the coast, causes loss of critical habitat and creates greater need for waste disposal. If we are to bequeath clean water to future generations, we need to understand how our estuary functions and how our activities affect its health. In time, water quality can be improved through thoughtful land use planning, control of rainwater runoff and cleaner waste-water discharge. Widespread use of Best Management Practices in farming and forestry will reduce sediment and nutrients that enter streams.