1998 Year of the Ocean Perspectives on Marine Environmental Quality 



From coral reefs to kelp forests, marine and coastal areas are as different as the life they 

 support is diverse. As a result, these areas attract a multitude of tourists and provide a large 

 variety of recreational activities. In 1993, the recreation and tourism industry was the second 

 largest employer in the nation, with annual sales exceeding $380 billion. Healthy coastal 

 ecosystems are critical to places like Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Santa Cruz, California, 

 the Florida Keys, and similar coastal communities which enjoy revenue from tourists seeking 

 places to swim, fish, boat, hunt, dive, hike, and observe wildlife. The importance of good marine 

 environmental quality was evident in a recent survey conducted for Conde Nast Traveler 

 magazine, wherein 25 percent of respondents revealed that they had changed travel plans because 

 of environmental problems at their intended vacation destinations. 



Along with direct monetary contributions, healthy marine ecosystems provide indirect 

 contributions to local economies through their aesthetic, artistic, cultural, and spiritual value. For 

 example, a 1991 American Housing Survey found that "when all else is equal, the price of a 

 home located within 300 feet of a body of water increases by up to 28 percent." (Smith, 1995). 

 Community and business leaders understand the potential value of waterfront locations, and 

 often use them as a focal point for urban renewal. 



Coastal wetlands, mangroves, and tidal flats play essential roles in nutrient cycling and 

 providing habitat for wildlife, as well as protecting coastal developments from storm surges and 

 filtering sediments and toxins from waters. Where development has been permitted in low lying 

 areas close to the waters edge or in converted wetlands, infrequent yet intense storms cause 

 billions of dollars in damages (e.g., damage costs from Hurricane Andrew in 1993 were $25 

 billion). Wetlands, barrier islands, and tidal flats provide a buffer from storms and assist in 

 reducing shore erosion. Many municipalities and some industries are incorporating wetlands into 

 their wastewater treatment systems to remove nutrients, process some chemical and organic 

 wastes, and reduce sediment loads prior to discharge into riverine and marine waters. This form 

 of pretreatment reduces industry and municipality costs, protects shellfish and swimming areas 

 from closures, and reduces the number of fish consumption advisories issued. While wetlands 

 help to improve and maintain water quality, they also play an important role in sustaining the 

 health and abundance of marine species. It is estimated that 77 percent of shellfish and marine 

 commercial species (Chambers, 1991) and 75 percent of all U.S. migrating waterfowl depend 

 upon these areas during some stage of their life cycle. 



Although it is difficult to quantify, an article in Science by Costanza et al. (1997), 

 estimates the global value of the ocean and the services it provides to be $33 trillion per year. 

 Most of this value lies outside the traditional market system (e.g., commercial fisheries), and 

 comes instead from services such as waste treatment, nutrient cycling, and regulation of 

 disturbances such as floods or storms. Thus, it is important not only aesthetically, but 

 economically to take care of the health of the ocean and its resources. 



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