The Effects of Runoff to Marine Life

(Article) Several golf courses in North Carolina State participated in surface water quality surveys that revealed the flow of fertilizer and pesticide (Ryals, Genter, & Leidy, 1998). Water samples are collected every two weeks. Ryals, Genter and Leidy (1998) have four pesticides (atrazine, chlorothalonil [Daconil®], chlorpyrifos [Dursban®], 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and two nutrients (nitrogen and phosphoric acid). The data obtained from the survey showed that the impact of the course on the surface water was minimal.

* Fertilizer - Fertilizer runoff from farms and lawns is a big problem in coastal areas. Additional nutrients lead to eutrophication - algae grow, consume dissolved oxygen in the water and afflict other marine life. Eutrophication caused enormous death in several parts of the world, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Baltic Sea. Animals High concentrations of plastic materials, especially plastic bags, are known to block the airways and stomachs of many marine organisms including whales, dolphins, seals, puffed trees and sea turtles. Plastic 6 piece rings for beverage bottles may also block marine animals. This type of garbage may return to the coast and contaminate the beach and other coastal habitats.

Marine organisms are in relatively good condition, that is, living animals living on land, but as people with improved technology look to the ocean to find food, energy and raw materials, they will have a large scale Ocean extinction may occur. Currently coral reefs are dying, overfishing is problematic, there are plenty of plastic waste, and agricultural fertilizer runoff creates a "blank zone" of the ocean. Lessons learned from the development and use of historic land can be a driving force for discovering intelligent and viable ways to manage the growth of human interactions in the marine environment. The challenge is not to stop ocean development, but to use marine resources in a responsible way to protect and maintain marine life.