West Coast estuaries are geologically young and
composed of a variety of geomorphological types.
Natural hazards include El Ninos, strong
Pacific storms, and active tectonic activity.
West Coast estuaries support a wide range of
living resources, e.g., fish and shellfish,
birds, marine mammals, and algae and plants.
West Coast estuaries are also centers of
commerce and increasingly large shipping
traffic. In addition, the human population is
rising faster than most other areas of the US
and Canada. Although water pollution is a
problem in many of the urbanized estuaries,
primary estuarine problems in this region
include habitat alterations, degradation, and
loss; diverted freshwater flows; marine sediment
contamination; and exotic species introduction.
The growing West Coast economy and popualtion
are in part related to the quality of life,
which is dependent on the use and enjoyment of
abundant coastal natural resources.
Revised: July 22, 2010 |
Published: December 1, 2000
Citation
Emmett R., R. Llanso, J. Newton, R.M. Thom, M. Hornberger, C. Morgan, and C. Levings, et al. 2000. "Geographic Signatures of North American West
Coast Estuaries." Estuaries 23, no. 6:765-792. PNWD-SA-5430.