Earth Gauge » Beaches

Weather and Seasons Shape Estuaries

espinoza — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:20:21 +0000

Estuaries may seem permanent and unchanging, but they are not. Weather patterns and seasonal cycles shape and affect estuaries. Winter storms and winds lash the coasts, raising waves that stir up and mix nutrients, silt and decaying organic matter in estuaries. Large storm waves carry a lot of energy that is released when the waves hit the coast, crashing into barrier islands, sandbars and even open shores. Really strong waves change coastlines, wash sediments and nutrients out to sea and change the balance of salt and freshwater that characterizes estuaries.

Viewer Tip: Winter is a great time to beachcomb. The same waves and tides that pound our shorelines also deposit shells, driftwood, sea urchins, beach glass and even remains of old shipwrecks. Advanced beachcombers, especially along the Atlantic coast, even bring metal detectors, as coins and metal relics from times past are often washed ashore. Remember to dress warmly, though. Winter air temperatures are frequently colder near the ocean and coastal winds can make you feel even chillier.

This information is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Great Lakes Shorelines

espinoza — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:40:32 +0000

About 80 percent of Great Lakes shoreline in the United States is privately rather than publicly owned. That means most of the shoreline is vulnerable to impacts like water pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus in lawn fertilizers which can encourage algae build-up. The rapid flow of rain water runoff into the lakes resulting from near-shore development can also impact the shoreline and the lakes.

Viewer Tip: Whether you live on beachfront property or miles away from the coast, land owners can take simple measures to protect the shoreline like reducing their use fertilizers containing phosphorus. Beachfront property owners can take bigger steps like removing algae or even raking beaches with a thatching rake. According to the Alliance for the Great Lakes, raking the sand to let it lie exposed to the air and sun can reduce contamination. The organization recently launched a Shoreline Property Stewardship Program in which shoreline owners can become certified once they receive stewardship training and improve their shorelines. Learn more about the program at www.greatlakes.org.

This information is provided by the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Learn more at www.greatlakes.org.

Living Shorelines

espinoza — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:37:03 +0000

More than 85 percent of the Chesapeake Bay’s shoreline is privately owned. And most of that is lined with hardened bulkheads or riprap designed to protect waterfront property from erosion and sea level rise. These “hardened shorelines” take away from some of the Bay’s most productive acreage: the coastal marsh and intertidal areas that serve as refuges and spawning grounds for many species of fish, shellfish, and invertebrates that are important to the Bay ecology, commercial fisheries and recreational users of the Chesapeake. A better solution is to consider a living shoreline, a technique using native plants, grasses, shrubs and trees planted along the tidal water line. Living shorelines improve water quality; provide shoreline access to wildlife like nesting turtles, horseshoe crabs and shorebirds; and provide shallow water habitat and a diversity of plant species for aquatic and terrestrial animals. All in all, a win-win solution for property owners and wildlife!

Viewer Tip: Own waterfront property, either on the Bay or along the tidal creeks feeding into the Chesapeake? Both Maryland and Virginia offer financial assistance for shoreline projects. Maryland has a wide range of loan, grant and cost-share programs available to homeowners, communities, local governments and non-profit organizations. Virginia has grants available for private individuals through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Living Shoreline Initiative.

This information is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Learn more at http://www.cbf.org/.

Beach Closures

espinoza — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:01:05 +0000

Ocean and lake beaches around the country get closed every year due to poor water quality from pathogens – disease-causing bacteria and viruses. One way that pathogens get into the water is from pet and wild animal waste being washed down storm drains when it rains. In most communities, storm drains discharge storm water directly into local water bodies. And, even if water does go through a wastewater treatment plant, heavy rainfall can overflow the system, allowing untreated wastewater to flow into rivers, lakes and the ocean.

Viewer Tip: About 80 percent of pollution in our oceans and lakes comes from the land. No matter where you live, you can help protect water quality at local beaches by always picking up after your pet on walks and in your yard. Dispose of waste in a trash can or flush it down the toilet. To help control waste from wild animals, don’t feed geese and other water fowl. This encourages flocks to hang around shorelines and stay put through the winter months.

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Beaches.” http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/beaches/index.cfm; Long Island Sound Study, “Sound Health: Status and Trends in the Health of Long Island Sound,” http://longislandsoundstudy.net/2010/12/sound-health-2010/)

Oil in Estuaries

espinoza — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:52:03 +0000

When we think about oil pollution in estuaries and along the coasts, many of us think of the giant oil rigs and big spills like the Deepwater Horizon spill last year. But most oil pollution is generally the result of small spills and leaks from boats and ships. When oil comes into shallow waters and marshes, it can coat and smother birds, fish, amphibians and even small mammals. In estuarine marshes and coastal wetlands, oil can sink into mud and sediments and remain there for years and sometimes decades. Oil can still be found in Alaska’s Prince William Sound more than 20 years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989.

Viewer Tip: Even small motorized boats contribute to oil pollution in our bays and along our coasts. Two-cycle outboard motors—the type most often used by recreational boaters and anglers—release large amounts of unburned fuel-oil mixture into the water. Going fishing or boating? Take time and make sure your outboard motor is clean, primed and tuned.

This information brought to you by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

Trash Troubles

espinoza — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 18:25:25 +0000

A 2009 survey of Texas residents found that four in 10 Texans admitted to littering in the past month. More than half of those people littered while driving or riding in a car; others littered when a trashcan could not be located or when walking or playing outside. Litter is more than an eyesore – trash that is dropped outside can be carried far from where it originates by wind and rain. Trash items that end up in rivers, streams or the ocean can be harmful to humans, degrade water quality and choke, suffocate or disable aquatic wildlife.

Viewer Tip: Put litter in its place with these simple tips:

Carry a litter bag in your car for trash items.
Make sure trash cans have tight-fitting lids to avoid blow-away trash.
If you can’t find a trash can where you are, pack your waste with you and throw it away at home.

Learn more about litter in Texas at www.dontmesswithtexas.org.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: Stadia, Texas Department of Transportation and Environmedia Social Marketing. “2009 LItter Attitudes and Behavior Survey Executive Summary.” http://dontmesswithtexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/TxDOT_2009_LA&BExecSummary.pdf; Keep America Beautiful. “Tips for Preventing Litter in Your Community.” http://www.kab.org/site/DocServer/kidsLitter.pdf?docID=462)

Barrier Islands

espinoza — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:31:36 +0000

If you’ve been to the beach, chances are good you’ve been on a barrier island. Barrier islands are among the United States’ most important coastal features. Running more than 3,500 miles along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, these islands are invaluable buffers, protecting vulnerable shores and inland areas from violent storms and waves. They also protect ecosystems that provide habitat for wildlife and commercially valuable fish and shellfish. But they are in danger, threatened by building, pollution, invasive species and erosion.

Viewer Tip: You can volunteer to help restore your local bay or estuary by planting sea and marsh grasses. Marsh grasses help coastal wetlands form and hold soil and sediment—essential ingredients in preventing erosion of wetlands that protect our coastlines. For more information, contact Restore America’s Estuaries at www.estuaries.org.

This tip is provided by Restore America’s Estuaries. Learn more at www.estuaries.org.

(Source: NOAA-Restoration Center: www.habitat.noaa.gov/restoration/)

Red Tide

espinoza — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:38:25 +0000

Have you ever wondered what causes the different-colored tints in the ocean or freshwater lakes? This colored water – whether red, brown, green or yellow – is commonly known as a “red tide” or a harmful algal bloom. Blooms are formed by single-celled photosynthetic organisms that can sometimes be harmful to humans, wildlife and the environment. Some harmful algae produce toxins that accumulate in shellfish, making them dangerous to eat. These toxins can be so potent that shellfish can become unsafe for human consumption even if the algae are present in concentrations so low that the water is not colored. Since certain weather and climate conditions can favor the development of a red tide, scientists can use forecasts to provide advanced warning of the increased risk of red tide events. Knowing when blooms might occur ahead of time allows health authorities to be proactive in their management decisions.

Viewer Tip: Red tides typically occur on the U.S. west coast in summer and fall when water temperatures are warmer, but shellfish can become toxic at any time of the year. If you want to know whether colored water is toxic in your area or if you are planning a recreational trip to the beach to dig for shellfish and want to know if they will be safe to eat, contact your state’s health department.

This information is provided by the West Coast Center for Oceans and Human Health, a part of NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center. Learn more at www.nwfsc.noaa.gov/hab/.

Falling Trees

espinoza — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:54:03 +0000

Are you tempted to clean up fallen trees and branches on your lakeshore property after a storm? Believe it or not, these fallen items are actually important components of lake habitats! Above the water, fallen trees and branches provide a place for ducks and turtles to soak up the sun; they may also be used as perches by water birds and song birds. Under the water, water insects eat algae that grows on the wood and fish can find shelter and hiding places around fallen trees and branches.

Viewer Tip: While it’s important to clean up fallen trees and branches that may be dangerous – such as those that may impact boater navigation or swimming areas – remember that it’s ok to leave fallen trees and branches in the water for wildlife to use. Leaving a fallen branch or tree in the water not only provides habitat – it will also provide fun wildlife viewing opportunities for you!

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

(Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2009. “The Water’s Edge: Helping fish and wildlife on your lakeshore property.”)

Shoreline Smarts

espinoza — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:37:49 +0000

Shoreline habitats around lakes – both on land and in shallow water – provide important habitat for fish and wildlife. Healthy plants along shorelines also protect water quality by absorbing and filtering pollutants carried from land by wind and rain.

Viewer Tip: When lake shorelines become too developed, they may no longer be able to support the plants, fish and wildlife that make our lakes so appealing! If you own property along a lake shoreline, consider leaving part of your landscape “wild.” For example, if you have 100 feet of shoreline, let 75 feet stay in its natural condition and use 25 feet for a dock or swimming area. The same goes for your home lawn – leave about 30 feet of natural vegetation between the beach and your lawn to create a buffer zone between your home and the lakeshore habitat.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

(Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2009. “The Water’s Edge: Helping fish and wildlife on your lakeshore property.”)

Lakes Appreciation (Xeric Region)

espinoza — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:25:12 +0000

As part of the National Lakes Assessment, the U.S. EPA selected and sampled 84 lakes in the Xeric Region (covering portions of 11 western states and all of Nevada) to characterize the condition of more than 802 lakes throughout the area. What did researchers find?

37 percent of lakes in the Xeric Region are in good biological condition, meaning they are able to support healthy aquatic plant and animal communities.
82 percent of lakes show low risk of exposure to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which produce toxins that can make humans sick.
Nearly 90 percent of lakes show moderate or high levels of lakeshore disturbance due to human activities like removing trees to add paved areas, sandy beaches or lawns.

Viewer Tip: July is Lakes Appreciation Month. As you enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in local lakes, remember that you can help keep our lakes healthy.

If you live near a lake: Go Wild. Let natural vegetation grow near the lake shoreline to filter water pollutants and protect the shoreline from erosion.

If you visit a lake: Avoid hitchhikers. Non-native species (animals and plants that are not originally from a certain lake) can invade a lake and take over the habitat. If you are a recreational boater, don’t give non-native species a free ride: remove any visible mud and plants from equipment that was in the water, including your boat and trailer. And never put any plants, fish or other animals into a body of water, unless they came out of that same water!

Season: Summer

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. National Lakes Assessment: A Collaborative Survey of the Nation’s Lakes. EPA 841-R-09-001. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water and Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC; Trout Unlimited, www.tu.org)

Lakes Appreciation (Western Mountains Region)

espinoza — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:20:07 +0000

As part of the National Lakes Assessment, the U.S. EPA selected and sampled 155 lakes in the Western Mountains Region (covering the Cascade, Sierra Nevada and Pacific Coast ranges, the Gila Mountains, and the Bitterroot and Rocky Mountains) to characterize the condition of more than 4,100 lakes throughout the area. What did researchers find?

More than half of lakes in the Western Mountains Region are in good biological condition, meaning they are able to support healthy aquatic plant and animal communities.
96 percent of lakes show low risk of exposure to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which produce toxins that can make humans sick.
43 percent of lakes show moderate or high levels of lakeshore disturbance due to human activities like removing trees to add paved areas, sandy beaches or lawns.

Viewer Tip: July is Lakes Appreciation Month. As you enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in local lakes, remember that you can help keep our lakes healthy.

If you live near a lake: Go Wild. Let natural vegetation grow near the lake shoreline to filter water pollutants and protect the shoreline from erosion.

Season: Summer

Lakes Appreciation (Northern Plains Region)

espinoza — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:41:58 +0000

As part of the National Lakes Assessment, the U.S. EPA selected and sampled 65 lakes in the Northern Plains Region (covering western North and South Dakota, eastern Montana, northeast Wyoming and a small part of northern Nebraska) to characterize the condition of more than 2,600 lakes throughout the area. What did researchers find?

Just one percent of lakes in the Northern Plains Region are in good biological condition, meaning they are able to support healthy aquatic plant and animal communities.
41 percent of lakes show low risk of exposure to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which produce toxins that can make humans sick.
99 percent of lakes show moderate or high levels of lakeshore disturbance due to human activities from things like agricultural activities and removing trees to add paved areas, sandy beaches or lawns.

Viewer Tip: July is Lakes Appreciation Month. As you enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in local lakes, remember that you can help keep our lakes healthy.

If you live near a lake: Go Wild. Let natural vegetation grow near the lake shoreline to filter water pollutants and protect the shoreline from erosion.

Season: Summer

Lakes Appreciation (Southern Plains Region)

espinoza — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:37:24 +0000

As part of the National Lakes Assessment, the U.S. EPA selected and sampled 128 lakes in the Southern Plains Region (covering central and northern Texas, western Kansas and Oklahoma, and parts of Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico) to characterize the condition of more than 3,100 lakes throughout the area. What did researchers find?

Only 34 percent of lakes in the Southern Plains Region are in good biological condition, meaning they are able to support healthy aquatic plant and animal communities.
57 percent of lakes show low risk of exposure to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which produce toxins that can make humans sick.
90 percent of lakes show moderate or high levels of lakeshore disturbance due to human activities from things like agricultural activities and removing trees to add paved areas, sandy beaches or lawns.

Viewer Tip: July is Lakes Appreciation Month. As you enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in local lakes, remember that you can help keep our lakes healthy.

If you live near a lake: Go Wild. Let natural vegetation grow near the lake shoreline to filter water pollutants and protect the shoreline from erosion.

Season: Summer

Lakes Appreciation (Temperate Plains Region)

espinoza — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:30:40 +0000

As part of the National Lakes Assessment, the U.S. EPA selected and sampled 137 lakes in the Temperate Plains Region (covering eastern North and South Dakota, Iowa, western Minnesota, parts of Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska, western Ohio, central Indiana, Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin) to characterize the condition of more than 6,300 lakes throughout the area. What did researchers find?

Only 25 percent of lakes in the Temperate Plains Region are in good biological condition, meaning they are able to support healthy aquatic plant and animal communities.
48 percent of lakes show low risk of exposure to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which produce toxins that can make humans sick.
60 percent of lakes show moderate or high levels of lakeshore disturbance due to human activities from things like agricultural activities and removing trees to add paved areas, sandy beaches or lawns.

Viewer Tip: July is Lakes Appreciation Month. As you enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in local lakes, remember that you can help keep our lakes healthy.

If you live near a lake: Go Wild. Let natural vegetation grow near the lake shoreline to filter water pollutants and protect the shoreline from erosion.

Season: Summer

Lakes Appreciation (Upper Midwest Region)

espinoza — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:37:05 +0000

As part of the National Lakes Assessment, the U.S. EPA selected and sampled 148 lakes in the Upper Midwest Region (covering northern and southeastern Minnesota, two-thirds of Wisconsin, northern Indiana and most of Michigan) to characterize the condition of more than 15,500 lakes throughout the area. What did researchers find?

More than 90 percent of lakes in the Upper Midwest Region are in good biological condition, meaning they are able to support healthy aquatic plant and animal communities.
81 percent of lakes show low risk of exposure to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which produce toxins that can make humans sick.
46 percent of lakes show moderate or high levels of lakeshore disturbance due to human activities like removing trees and adding paved areas, sandy beaches or lawns.

Viewer Tip: July is Lakes Appreciation Month. As you enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in local lakes, remember that you can help keep our lakes healthy.

If you live near a lake: Go Wild. Let natural vegetation grow near the lake shoreline to filter water pollutants and protect the shoreline from erosion.

Season: Summer

Lakes Appreciation (Coastal Plains Region)

espinoza — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:31:45 +0000

As part of the National Lakes Assessment, the U.S. EPA selected and sampled 116 lakes in the Coastal Plains Region (covering the Mississippi Delta, north along the Ohio River, Florida, eastern Texas and the Atlantic Seaboard to New Jersey) to characterize the condition of more than 7,000 lakes throughout the area. What did researchers find?

47 percent of lakes in the Coastal Plains Region are in good biological condition, meaning they are able to support healthy aquatic plant and animal communities.
64 percent of lakes show low risk of exposure to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which produce toxins that can make humans sick.
More than 80 percent of lakes show moderate or high levels of lakeshore disturbance due to human activities like removing trees and adding paved areas, sandy beaches or lawns.

Viewer Tip: July is Lakes Appreciation Month. As you enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in local lakes, remember that you can help keep our lakes healthy.

If you live near a lake: Go Wild. Let natural vegetation grow near the lake shoreline to filter water pollutants and protect the shoreline from erosion.

Season: Summer

Lakes Appreciation (Southern Appalachians Region)

espinoza — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:24:38 +0000

As part of the National Lakes Assessment, the U.S. EPA selected and sampled 116 lakes in the Southern Appalachians Region (covering ten states from northeastern Alabama to southern Pennsylvania and highland parts of Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma) to characterize the condition of more than 4,600 lakes throughout the area. What did researchers find?

42 percent of lakes in the Southern Appalachians Region are in good biological condition, meaning they are able to support healthy aquatic plant and animal communities.
73 percent of lakes show low risk of exposure to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which produce toxins that can make humans sick.
More than 90 percent of lakes show moderate or high levels of lakeshore disturbance due to human activities like removing trees and adding paved areas, sandy beaches or lawns.

Viewer Tip: July is Lakes Appreciation Month. As you enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in local lakes, remember that you can help keep our lakes healthy.

If you live near a lake: Go Wild. Let natural vegetation grow near the lake shoreline to filter water pollutants and protect the shoreline from erosion.

Season: Summer

Lakes Appreciation (Northern Appalachian Region)

espinoza — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:28:35 +0000

As part of the National Lakes Assessment, the U.S. EPA selected and sampled 93 lakes in the Northern Appalachian Region (covering all of New England, most of New York, the northern half of Pennsylvania and northeast Ohio) to characterize the condition of more than 5,000 lakes throughout the area. What did researchers find?

More than half of lakes in the Northern Appalachian Region are in good biological condition, meaning they are able to support healthy aquatic plant and animal communities.
95 percent of lakes show low risk of exposure to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which produce toxins that can make humans sick.
57 percent of lakes show moderate or high levels of lakeshore disturbance due to human activities like removing trees and adding paved areas, sandy beaches or lawns.

Viewer Tip: July is Lakes Appreciation Month. As you enjoy boating, fishing and swimming in local lakes, remember that you can help keep our lakes healthy.

If you live near a lake: Go wild. Let natural vegetation grow near the lake shoreline to filter water pollutants and protect the shoreline from erosion.

Season: Summer

Swimming Beaches

espinoza — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:32:17 +0000

During the 2009 beach swimming season, more than 3,800 beaches were monitored for possible swimming risks – 43 percent of those beaches had at least one swimming advisory or closure. Beach advisories and closures often follow heavy rainfall, when sewer overflows may occur and rain water can wash trash and other pollutants into swimming areas. Poor water quality can create unsafe conditions for swimming.

Viewer Tip: You can help protect water quality at your local beach by always cleaning up your trash and picking up after pets. Before you head to the beach, check beach conditions to make sure swimming is safe: http://www.epa.gov/beaches/plan/whereyoulive_state.html

Season: Summer

(Sources: U.S. EPA. “National Summary: 2009 Swimming Season Update.” http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches/seasons/2009/)