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In healthy ecosystems, nutrient inputs, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, occur at a rate that stimulates a level of macroalgal and phytoplankton (chlorophyll α) growth in balance with grazer biota. A low level of chlorophyll α in the water column helps keep water clarity high, allowing light to penetrate deep enough to reach submerged aquatic vegetation. Low levels of phytoplankton and macroalgae result in dissolved oxygen levels most suitable for healthy fish and shellfish so that humans can enjoy the benefits that a coastal environment provides.
In a eutrophic ecosystem, increased sediment and nutrient loads from farming, urban development, water treatment plants, and industry, in combination with atmospheric nitrogen, help trigger both macroalgae and phytoplankton (chlorophyll α) blooms, exceeding the capacity of grazer control. These blooms can result in decreased water clarity, decreased light penetration, decreased dissolved oxygen, loss of submerged aquatic vegetation, nuisance/toxic algal blooms, and the contamination or die off of fish and shellfish.
From: Bricker, S., B. Longstaff, W. Dennison, A. Jones, K. Boicourt, C. Wicks, and J. Woerner. 2007. Effects of Nutrient Enrichment In the Nation’s Estuaries: A Decade of Change. NOAA Coastal Ocean Program Decision Analysis Series No. 26. National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Silver Spring, MD. 328 pp. (page 2)
