VI-238 



RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING CHEMICAL FACTORS 



Research Preserves 



Because of the enormous complexity of the physical, chemical, and 

 biological interations in marine ecosystems, there should be a system 

 of ecological classification of natural coastal systems that can be 

 used to make first approximations of the impact of specific types of 

 wastes on them. Such classifications may require new geochemical 

 surveys of coastal systems, but in large part could be erected from 

 extant knowledge. 



The classification of coastal systems should be used to select and set 

 aside type preserves for experimental use, for such purposes as 

 stressing the environment to determine the effects of the stress and 

 the rate of recovery of the system when the stress is removed. Such 

 study areas would allow the carrying out of experiments that might 

 not be permissible in areas not so set aside, and would prevent the 

 intrusion of other human influences. The stresses applied might 

 include the addition of growth-suppressing substances, nutrient 

 substances, heat, etc. The study areas would be provided with adequate 

 laboratory facilities for intensive investigation and manipulation. 



Type systems to be set aside should include tropical, temperate, and 

 boreal systems, and would include open coastal areas, salt marsh 

 estuaries, tidal estuaries, salt-wedge estuaries, mangrove swamps, and 

 fjords. They should encompass systems of varying depths, sizes, and 



