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 2011 report indicates that the overall condition of our nation's coastal waters is only "fair."
- 3
-
Overall ranking from 1 to 5 of the health of U.S. coastal waters. This is considered "fair" overall condition.
Source: EPA, 2011
- 55%
-
Percent of U.S. coastal waters that are rated "good" for water quality.
Source: EPA, 2011
- 19%
-
Percent area of U.S. coastal waters in which fish tissue contaminants were rated "poor."
Source: EPA, 2011
- 19%
-
Percent area of Gulf coastal waters that are rated "poor" for sediment quality.
Source: EPA, 2011
Download Coastal Condition Interactive Map and Data (685kb)
Source: EPA National Coastal Condition Report IV, 2011
Note: The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is not included in these reports.
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 2011 National Coastal Condition Report IV indicates that the overall condition of our nation's coastal waters is only "fair." However, this index ranking has increased from the previous "fair" to "poor" ranking in the National Coastal Condition Reports I-III. In the 2011 report, Alaska, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands ranked as having the best overall condition of “good”. The Southeast and West Coast had the next highest ranking as “fair”. The Great Lakes, Northeast, Gulf Coast, and Puerto Rico regions all ranked between “fair" and "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/Major_Reports.html
