![[Skip Navigation]](/images/pixel.gif){kind=tracking}
|
Benthic Habitat Mapping
SummaryBenthic mapping is useful for determining the presence, distribution, and quantity of contaminated sediments in coastal waters. Mapping allows resource managers to monitor changes in extents and concentrations over time and contributes to the planning and implementation of remediation strategies. What are some sediment remediation strategies? With the use of geographic information systems (GIS), sediment data can be combined with information on pollutant discharge practices to provide a historical record of associations between pollutant sources and contaminated sediments. Benthic habitat mapping also provides a method for relating distributions of contaminated sediments to sensitive or valuable aquatic resources and overall benthic habitat quality. Contaminants found in marine sediments threaten water quality, the health of aquatic organisms, and human health. Many pollutants are highly toxic and can persist in the environment for years. This can cause long-term health problems in marine invertebrates and fish such as tumors, reproductive problems, and fin rot. Environmental contaminants may also be transferred through the food chain, eventually effecting fisheries as shellfish beds are closed to harvesting and posing a risk to human health. Once in the sediment, contaminants remain there unless they are removed by natural processes or sediment management practices. What types of contaminants enter coastal waters? Two case studies are included in this section to show how benthic mapping is used for sediment management. On the Palos Verdes Shelf off the coast of Los Angeles, California, various survey techniques were used to map contaminant distributions and plan remediation strategies. In the Southern California Bight, benthic mapping was used to conduct a regional sediment quality assessment.
|
