VI-123 



which are much thicker and possess different properties. They 

 occur on the sea surface around all Islands and along all 

 continental shores and, hence, are characteristic of estuarlne 

 zones. They travel with the wind at speeds approaching the wind 

 speed and can rapidly concentrate materials along shore lines, 

 especially on a windward coast. These effects are very Important 

 In case of associated radioactive pollution, as well as bacterial 

 pollution. Some of the surface active materials are of natural 

 origin and are greatly increased by agents that kill marine 

 organisms. Other film-forming materials result from oil sol 11 age. 

 The film, from whatever source, changes the transfer rate of 

 gas through the water surface, the sinking rates of inorganic 

 particles, and the distribution of small organisms. Research is 

 required to better understand the origin, distribution, and 

 importance of surface films. 



SUMMARY 



^- Baseline studies 



1. Inventory biological, physical, and chemical characteristics, 



2. Answer key management questions of habitat requirements 

 (how much and what kind) for adequate numbers of plants 

 and animals. 



3. Studies of unpolluted estuaries are essential for 

 comparative basis against which to measure changes. 



