Habitat Loss and Degradation

To learn more about the major threats to aquatic biodiversity please select from the following:

Marine ecosystems are experiencing high rates of habitat loss and degradation. Shoreline stabilization, the development of large ports, and the existence of densely populated coastal cities all contributed to this loss. In these zones, high population levels coupled with increased road and pipeline densities have increased pollution as well as sedimentation and erosion rates. This has led to the destruction of important coastal ecosystems. The introduction of structures such as groins, jetties, and other structures has interrupted important longshore current movements. As a result, beach fronts and marsh communities are becoming eroded and experiencing increased sand loss. For example, certain areas in Maryland (e.g., barrier islands) are experiencing increased shoreward erosion. This type of loss has both property and economic ramifications.

Additional Resources

Fisheries in trouble – Fish Habitat Loss
World Resources Institute - Coastlines at Risk: An Index of Potential Development-Related Threats to Coastal Ecosystems
World Resources Institute - Threats to Coastal Ecosystems
The Heinz Center's State of the Nation's Ecosystems - Altered Freshwater Ecosystems
The Heinz Center's State of the Nation's Ecosystems - Coastal Living Habitats (Coral Reefs, Wetlands, Seagrasses, and Shellfish Beds)
The Heinz Center's State of the Nation's Ecosystems - Stream Habitat Quality

Biological Indicators | Aquatic Biodiversity | Statistical Primer

Habitat Loss and Degradation

To learn more about the major threats to aquatic biodiversity please select from the following:

Additional Resources

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