Ecosystems: The Overall Health of Our Nation's Coastal Waters
The health of our nation's coastal ecosystems is crucially important to a robust economy, a safe population, and a sustainable quality of life for coastal residents. However, poor water quality, pollution and degradation of coastal habitats all affect the health of plants, animals and people living at the coast. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) periodically completes an assessment of water, sediment, fish, and habitat health.The 2008 report indicates that the overall condition of our nation's coastal waters is only "fair."
- 30%
-
Percent of U.S. coastal waters that are assessed to be in "poor" overall condition.
Source: EPA, 2008
- 57%
-
Percent of U.S. coastal waters that are rated "good" for water quality.
Source: EPA, 2008
- 18%
-
Percent of sites nationwide in which fish tissue contaminants were rated "poor."
Source: EPA, 2008
- 86%
-
Percent of U.S. coastal waters that are rated "good" for sediment quality.
Source: EPA, 2008
Download Coastal Condition Interactive Map and Data (990kb)
Source: EPA National Coastal Condition Report III, 2008
Note: American Samoa, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands were not included in this report.
About this Topic
This assessment, provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, uses water, sediment, fish, and habitat health to indicate the overall health of our nation’s coastal waters. The 2008 report indicates that the overall condition of our nation's coastal waters is only "fair." Hawaii and Alaska ranked as having the best overall condition of “Good”. The Southeast had the next highest ranking as “Fair”. The Great Lakes, Northeast, and Gulf Coast regions all ranked between “Fair” and “Poor”. Puerto Rico had the lowest ranking of “Poor”. One Case Study is presented on How Overall Condition is Determined. In addition, two Management Success stories are presented for this topic: Monitoring the Coast: NOAA Mussel Watch and Controlling Coastal Pollution: Nonpoint Sources.
Closer Look
Relevant Links
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Coastal Condition Report
http://www.epa.gov/nccr/
NOAA Coastal Indicators Information Exchange
http://coastalindicators.noaa.gov/
The Heinz Center - State of the Nations' Ecosystems 2008
http://www.heinzctr.org/publications/index.shtml#majorreports
