Long-term nutrient reductions lead to the unprecedented recovery of a temperate coastal region

PNAS
By: , and 

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Abstract

Human actions, including nutrient pollution, are causing the widespread degradation of coastal habitats, and efforts to restore these valuable ecosystems have been largely unsuccessful or of limited scope. We provide an example of successful restoration linking effective management of nutrients to the successful recovery of submersed aquatic vegetation along thousands of kilometers of coastline in Chesapeake Bay, United States. We also show that biodiversity conservation can be an effective path toward recovery of coastal systems. Our study validates 30 years of environmental policy and provides a road map for future ecological restoration.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Long-term nutrient reductions lead to the unprecedented recovery of a temperate coastal region
Series title PNAS
DOI 10.1073/pnas.1715798115
Volume 115
Issue 14
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher National Academy of Sciences
Contributing office(s) Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Water Science Center
Description 5 p.
First page 3658
Last page 3662
Country United States
Other Geospatial Chesapeake Bay watershed
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