Coastal Issues | Water Quality | Quick Look
In Depth: A Quick Look at the Sources and Impacts of Nonpoint Source Pollution
Many types of human activities contribute to nonpoint source pollution impacts on the coastal environment.
Activities that Cause Nonpoint Source Pollution |
Resulting Treats |
Resulting Impacts |
ForestryRoad Construction and Maintenance |
Increased Nutrients Increased Sedimentation Increased Erosion Habitat Loss/Degradation (wetlands, seagrasses, coral reefs) Increased Toxic Chemicals (pesticides, heavy metals, oils) Increased Water Temperature Increased Pathogens (bacteria, viruses) |
Loss of Species Abundance Loss of Species Diversity Shellfish Bed Closures Swimming Beach Closures Decline is Species Health Fish Kills Algae Blooms (including toxic algae) Human Disease Outbreaks Flooding Low Dissolved Oxygen in Water |
AgricultureConcentrated Animal Feeding Lots |
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UrbanizationLand Clearing |
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Marina ActivitiesMarina Construction |
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HydromodificationStream Bank Modification |