Protecting the state’s coastal waters and coastal communities

February

Want to weigh in on the state’s effort to get a handle on the “critical problems, emerging threats and troubling economic and environmental declines” that are affecting New York’s coastal waters?

You can read the New York Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Council’s report, “Our Waters, Our Communities, Our Future” to find out more. Then, you can participate in a “Community Conversation for Public Input” on Saturday (2/28) at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies Auditorium, Plant Science Building, 2801 Sharon Turnpike, Millbrook, NY in Dutchess County (from 2 to 4 p.m.).

You can also comment online about the report.

The report details the numerous challenges facing New York’s coastal ecosystems. Stormwater runoff and overflows from sewage treatment plans have impacted water quality. Declines in fish habitat have contributed to a nearly 80% decrease in commercial landings over the past 50 years. In 2007, ocean and Great Lakes communities lost valuable revenue because beaches were closed over 1,500 days due to pollution – an increase of 300 days over the prior year. Wetland losses have continued throughout ocean and Great Lakes shorelines, and the increasing demand for new sources of energy, has greater pressure on offshore waters.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 26th, 2009 at 1:32 pm by Mike Risinit.
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