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EPA studies distribution of terrestrial sediment in coastal zone
Citation:
Casper, A. EPA studies distribution of terrestrial sediment in coastal zone. IN: Guanica Bay Watershed Newsletter, 3(2):2-3, (2012).
Impact/Purpose:
Task update for local stakeholder newsletter
Description:
Fundamental to the inter-Agency effort to protect coral reefs in southwestern Puerto Rico is the assumption that soil eroded from land in the Guánica/Rio Loco watershed is carried out of Guánica Bay and into coral reef zones and may even be pushed by currents to the west, where it could affect coral reef communities near La Parguera and beyond. Terrestrial soil particles, with their associated contaminants and nutrients, can stress corals and negatively impact reef health. At least some of this assumption is true. There is strong evidence that eroded soil is being discharged into Guánica Bay, even to the point of changing the Bay’s bathymetry. There is also evidence that at least some of that eroded soil is carried out of the Bay into the coastal zone, although how much is not well known and is currently under investigation by UPR-Mayaguez scientists. It is not known where the soil ends up. Does it settle on reefs outside of Guánica Bay, is it carried to La Parguera reefs, or does it simply drift out to sea?