The effects of pollution and the need for long-term monitoring

Abstract

The general deterioration of coastal water quality and physical despoilation of habitats along the eastern United States coastline has had a major impact on estuarine and coastal fisheries. To understand the full extent of these effects, and to provide data on the rate at which they are spreading geographically, a new monitoring program called Ocean Pulse has been implemented. Ambient levels of contaminants in waters and sediments of the coastal zone are documented, and biological effects are monitored in habitats over the continental shelf as far seaward as high levels of contaminants can be measured. Samples and experimental measurements are taken at contaminated and uncontaminated sites between the Canadian boundary and Cape Hatteras. The primary aim of the Ocean Pulse program is to use changes in physiological/biochemical responses as indicators of biological change due to contaminant loading. Physiological, behavioral, ecological and other responses are measured so as to relate, ultimately, change in community structure, population responses and pathology to variation in the quality of habitat.