The Vital Role of Water Quality Monitoring in Maryland's Coastal Bays
Maryland's Coastal Bays are a vital part of the state's ecological, economic, and recreational natural heritage. These estuaries provide critical habitats for a diverse array of wildlife and are popular spots for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities. To maintain the health and sustainability of these Bays, water quality monitoring programs are essential.
Assateague Coastal Trust is a key player in monitoring the health of our Coastal Bays. Our monitoring program currently focuses on dissolved oxygen, turbidity, and bacteria levels, which serve as indicators of the overall health of the water.
This data helps give us a baseline so that we can track the trending health of our marine environments. When they get worse, we work tirelessly to help pass laws and pursue polluters to keep us on track for our regions pollution reduction goals.
Every week, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Assateague Coastal Trust monitors the waters surrounding Ocean City. We post data from our program and Worcester County onto the Ap “Swim Guide”.
There are lots of sites to explore, and we are proud to help keep you, your loved ones, and the amazing wildlife around us, safe from harm. Check it out!
You can also see our weekly findings for bacteria on our @Assateague Coastkeeper Facebook Page.
Photo: Boat and truck of your Assateague Coastkeeper, getting ready for launching into Newport Bay for a monitoring program.
The Importance of Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved oxygen (DO) refers to the amount of oxygen present in water, which is crucial for the survival of aquatic organisms. Fish, crabs, oysters, and many other species rely on sufficient DO levels to breathe and thrive.
When the DO levels decrease, it is often the result of excess nutrients entering the water. These nutrients cause blooms of algae, whose death consumes more oxygen than they created.
Why Monitor Dissolved Oxygen?
Monitoring DO is essential because:
Aquatic Life Support: Low DO levels, known as hypoxia, can lead to fish kills and biodiversity loss. Ensuring adequate oxygen levels helps maintain healthy populations of aquatic life.
Ecosystem Balance: DO levels influence the overall balance of the ecosystem. Adequate DO supports various life forms, promoting a stable and resilient ecosystem.
Water Quality Indicator: DO is a key indicator of water quality. Changes in DO levels can signal the presence of pollutants or other harmful environmental changes.
The Significance of Bacteria Monitoring
Bacteria in water can originate from various sources, including wastewater discharge, agricultural & urban runoff, and natural processes. While some bacteria are harmless, others, like E. coli and Enterococcus, can pose serious health risks.
Why Monitor Bacteria?
Monitoring bacteria levels is critical because:
Human Health: High levels of harmful bacteria can lead to waterborne illnesses in humans who come into contact with contaminated water through swimming, fishing, or other recreational activities.
Shellfish Safety: Bacteria contamination can affect shellfish beds, making shellfish unsafe to eat and impacting the shellfish industry.
Pollution Source Identification: Tracking bacterial levels helps identify pollution sources, enabling targeted actions to reduce contamination and improve water quality.
Water Quality Monitoring
Effective water quality monitoring programs are the backbone for driving forward clean water reform. Our program helps us detect and facilitate timely mitigation of potential pollutants. Inform management decisions, policy-making, and conservation efforts, ensuring actions are based on current and accurate information. Keeps local communities educated about the importance of maintaining water quality, fostering a collective effort toward environmental stewardship.
Maintaining the health of Maryland's Coastal Bays is crucial for preserving their ecological, economic, and recreational value. We’re proud of the role we play in safeguarding the pristine nature of our shared waters and all the benefits they provide.
If you see pollution entering the waters anywhere across the Southern Delmarva peninsula, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Email: Coastkeeper@ACTforBays.org or give us a Call @ (443) 235-2014.
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