Nearshore waters provide habitat for 80 percent of the fish species in the United States. Numerous recreational opportunities such as boating, diving, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and fishing are provided in the nearshore waters. Nearshore waters provide countless educational and research opportunities for scientists, students, naturalists, and the curious. Some Impacts on the Nearshore Environment Water quality in most confined waters and some nearshore waters is deteriorating, and this degradation is affecting the plant and animal life inhabiting nearshore areas. Industrial and municipal wastewater, storm water and agricultural runoff, and destruction of important habitat areas such as wetlands can affect water resources and are contributing to the general degradation of nearshore waters.
People using nearshore waters can have an adverse impact on aquatic resources.
Recreational uses like boating can cause water quality problems if not carried out in a conscientious manner. Trash dumped from boats can pose a threat to humans and marine species. Boat engines that have not been properly maintained can leak fuel into the nearshore waters, causing water quality degradation. Activities upstream in the watershed can impact these waters. For example, trash washed into city storm sewers might eventually be carried into the nearshore waters.