Abstract |
The report is an interim draft of a forthcoming case study of coastal and estuarine data for 17 estuaries of the Northeast USA. It illustrates the progress made toward completion of the final report. Most of the information presented is compiled from data bases developed by NOAA's continuing program of strategic assessments, including its National Coastal Pollutant Discharge Inventory, National Coastal Wetlands Inventory, and Public Outdoor Recreational Facilities Inventory. Data are compiled and organized into 7 sections: (1) physical and hydrologic characteristics; (2) land use and population; (3) nutrient discharges to estuaries; (4) classified shellfish waters; (5) toxic discharges to estuaries and hazardous waste disposal sites; (6) coastal wetlands; and (7) public outdoor recreation facilities. The fifth section has been completed to illustrate the approximate scale and scope of the information content and discussion that will be presented for each theme in the final report. |