The East Coast of the United States is home to some of the most diverse and valuable coastal ecosystems in the world, from the rocky shores of Maine to the coral reefs of Florida. These ecosystems provide countless benefits to both people and wildlife, including flood protection, water filtration, carbon sequestration, and recreational opportunities. However, the East Coast's coastal ecosystems are also facing significant threats and challenges, from climate change and sea level rise to pollution and development pressure.
Coastal conservation is a critical strategy for protecting and restoring the East Coast's coastal ecosystems and the benefits they provide. Conservation efforts on the East Coast involve a wide range of stakeholders, including federal, state, and local governments, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and private landowners. These efforts encompass a variety of approaches and strategies, from land acquisition and habitat restoration to policy advocacy and public education.
Key Coastal Ecosystems on the East Coast
The East Coast of the United States is home to a diverse array of coastal ecosystems, each with its own unique characteristics, ecological functions, and conservation needs. Some of the most significant coastal ecosystems on the East Coast include:
Salt Marshes
Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are dominated by salt-tolerant grasses and other herbaceous plants. These ecosystems are found along the East Coast from Maine to Florida and are particularly extensive in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. Salt marshes provide critical habitat for a wide variety of fish, birds, and other wildlife, and also play important roles in flood protection, water quality improvement, and carbon sequestration.
However, salt marshes on the East Coast are facing significant threats from sea level rise, coastal development, and other human activities. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the East Coast has lost over 50% of its historical salt marsh habitat, and many remaining marshes are at risk of drowning or being lost to erosion as sea levels continue to rise.
Seagrass Beds
Seagrass beds are underwater meadows of marine flowering plants that grow in shallow coastal waters. These ecosystems are found along the East Coast from Maine to Florida and are particularly extensive in the Southeast and Gulf of Mexico regions. Seagrass beds provide important habitat for a variety of fish, shellfish, and other marine life, and also help to stabilize sediments, improve water quality, and sequester carbon.
However, seagrass beds on the East Coast are facing significant threats from water pollution, physical disturbance, and climate change. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global area of seagrass beds has declined by 29% since the late 19th century, and many remaining beds are at risk of further loss due to human activities and environmental stressors.
Oyster Reefs
Oyster reefs are underwater structures formed by the accumulation of oyster shells over time. These ecosystems are found along the East Coast from Maine to Florida and are particularly extensive in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. Oyster reefs provide an important habitat for a variety of fish, crabs, and other marine life, and also help to improve water quality, stabilize shorelines, and protect against storm surge and erosion.
However, oyster reefs on the East Coast have been severely depleted by overharvesting, disease, and other human impacts. According to The Nature Conservancy, the East Coast has lost over 85% of its historical oyster reef habitat, and many remaining reefs are at risk of further decline due to pollution, sedimentation, and other stressors.
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are underwater structures formed by colonies of tiny marine animals called coral polyps. These ecosystems are found along the East Coast in the warm, clear waters of Florida and the Caribbean, and are known for their incredible biodiversity and beauty. Coral reefs provide critical habitat for a wide variety of fish, invertebrates, and other marine life, and also help to protect shorelines from erosion and storm damage and support important tourism and fishing industries.
However, coral reefs on the East Coast are facing significant threats from climate change, ocean acidification, and other human impacts. According to NOAA, the Florida Reef Tract, which is the third-largest barrier reef system in the world, has experienced a 97% decline in staghorn coral since the 1970s, and many other coral species are also at risk of extinction due to rising water temperatures, disease outbreaks, and other stressors.
Coastal Forests
Coastal forests are terrestrial ecosystems that are found along the East Coast in areas with sandy or rocky soils and moderate to high salt exposure. These ecosystems include a variety of tree species, such as live oak, pine, and cypress, and provide important habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including migratory birds, reptiles, and mammals. Coastal forests also help to stabilize soils, filter pollutants, and protect against storm surges and erosion.
However, coastal forests on the East Coast are facing significant threats from development, fragmentation, and sea level rise. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the East Coast has lost over 12,000 square miles of forest cover since 1973, and many remaining forests are at risk of further loss due to urban sprawl, invasive species, and other human impacts.
Major Threats and Challenges to Coastal Ecosystems
The East Coast's coastal ecosystems are facing a wide range of threats and challenges that are compromising their health, function, and resilience. Some of the most significant threats and challenges include:
Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Climate change and sea level rise are perhaps the greatest long-term threats to coastal ecosystems on the East Coast. As global temperatures continue to rise due to human activities, the East Coast is experiencing more frequent and severe heat waves, droughts, and storms, as well as rising sea levels and ocean acidification. These changes are altering the distribution and abundance of coastal species, disrupting ecosystem processes, and increasing the risk of flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion.
According to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, sea levels along the East Coast are rising at a rate of about 1 inch per decade, and are projected to rise by 1 to 4 feet or more by the end of the century, depending on the rate of greenhouse gas emissions. This sea level rise is already causing significant impacts on coastal ecosystems, such as salt marsh drowning, seagrass die-offs, and coral bleaching, and is expected to become even more severe in the coming decades.
Coastal Development and Land Use Change
Coastal development and land use change are also major threats to coastal ecosystems on the East Coast. As human populations and economic activities continue to grow and expand along the coast, more and more natural habitats are being converted to urban, residential, and industrial uses. This development is causing significant impacts to coastal ecosystems, such as habitat loss and fragmentation, increased pollution and runoff, and altered hydrology and sediment transport.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), over 50% of the U.S. population lives in coastal counties, and this number is expected to increase by 10 million people by 2020. This population growth is putting increasing pressure on coastal ecosystems, as more land is developed for housing, transportation, and other infrastructure. In addition, many coastal areas are also being impacted by unsustainable land use practices, such as deforestation, wetland draining, and shoreline armoring, which can further degrade coastal habitats and ecosystem services.
Pollution and Water Quality Degradation
Pollution and water quality degradation are also significant threats to coastal ecosystems on the East Coast. Coastal waters are often the receiving bodies for a wide range of pollutants, including nutrients, sediments, chemicals, and debris, which can have significant impacts on the health and function of coastal habitats and species. Some of the most common sources of coastal pollution include agricultural and urban runoff, wastewater discharge, oil and gas development, and marine debris.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 50% of the nation's estuaries and coastal waters are impaired by pollution, and many of these waters are located along the East Coast. For example, the Chesapeake Bay, which is the largest estuary in the United States, has long been impacted by excess nutrients and sediments from agricultural and urban runoff, leading to widespread algal blooms, low oxygen levels, and declines in fish and shellfish populations. Similarly, the Gulf of Mexico, which receives runoff from the Mississippi River basin, has been experiencing a growing "dead zone" of low-oxygen water, which is caused by excess nutrients and is harmful to marine life.
Overfishing and Destructive Fishing Practices
Overfishing and destructive fishing practices are also major threats to coastal ecosystems on the East Coast. Many coastal species, such as fish, crabs, and shellfish, are important sources of food and income for coastal communities and are also critical components of coastal food webs and ecosystem processes. However, many of these species are being overexploited by commercial and recreational fisheries, leading to population declines, altered community structures, and ecosystem imbalances.
According to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), over 30% of the nation's fish stocks are overfished, and many of these stocks are found along the East Coast. For example, the Atlantic cod, which was once a staple of the New England fishing industry, has been severely depleted by overfishing, with some populations now at less than 10% of their historical levels. Similarly, the Atlantic bluefin tuna, which is a highly valued species for sushi and other markets, is also being overexploited, with some populations now considered to be at risk of extinction.
In addition to overfishing, some fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, dredging, and the use of certain types of gear, can also have significant impacts on coastal habitats and species. These practices can cause physical damage to seafloor habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, and can also result in high levels of bycatch, or the unintentional capture of non-target species.
Invasive Species
Invasive species are also a growing threat to coastal ecosystems on the East Coast. Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or other organisms that can cause significant ecological and economic harm when introduced to new environments. In coastal ecosystems, invasive species can compete with native species for resources, alter habitat structures and functions, and disrupt food webs and other ecological processes.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, over 1,000 non-native species have been introduced to the United States, and many of these species are now established in coastal ecosystems along the East Coast. For example, the European green crab, which is native to the Atlantic coast of Europe and North Africa, has invaded many coastal habitats along the East Coast, from Maine to Maryland. This species is a voracious predator that can outcompete native crab species and cause significant damage to eelgrass beds and other coastal habitats.
Similarly, the lionfish, which is native to the Indo-Pacific region, has invaded many coral reef habitats along the East Coast, from Florida to North Carolina. This species is a skilled predator that can consume large numbers of native fish and invertebrates and has few natural predators in its invaded range. As a result, the lionfish has become a major threat to the health and diversity of many coral reef ecosystems on the East Coast.
Conservation Strategies and Initiatives
To address the various threats and challenges facing coastal ecosystems on the East Coast, a wide range of conservation strategies and initiatives are being implemented by government agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders. Some of the most significant conservation strategies and initiatives include:
Habitat Protection and Restoration
Habitat protection and restoration are critical strategies for conserving coastal ecosystems on the East Coast. These strategies involve identifying and protecting high-priority coastal habitats, such as salt marshes, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, through land acquisition, conservation easements, and other legal and policy tools. Habitat restoration involves actively rehabilitating degraded or damaged coastal habitats, such as by planting native vegetation, removing invasive species, or restoring natural hydrology and sediment transport processes.
One example of a major habitat protection and restoration initiative on the East Coast is the Chesapeake Bay Program, which is a regional partnership of federal, state, and local agencies, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions working to restore the health and productivity of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. The program has set ambitious goals for restoring oyster reefs, seagrass beds, and other critical habitats in the bay, and has implemented a wide range of conservation strategies, such as land protection, stream restoration, and nutrient management.
Another example is the Coral Reef Conservation Program, which is a federal program administered by NOAA that provides funding and technical assistance for coral reef conservation projects in U.S. states and territories, including Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program supports a variety of conservation activities, such as habitat mapping, monitoring, and restoration, as well as education and outreach efforts to raise awareness about the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face.
Sustainable Fisheries Management
Sustainable fisheries management is another important strategy for conserving coastal ecosystems on the East Coast. This strategy involves developing and implementing policies and practices that ensure the long-term sustainability of fish stocks and the ecosystems they depend on, while also supporting the livelihoods and cultural traditions of coastal communities.
One example of a sustainable fisheries management initiative on the East Coast is the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), which is an interstate compact of 15 Atlantic coastal states that coordinates the conservation and management of 27 nearshore fish species. The ASMFC develops and implements fishery management plans that set catch limits, gear restrictions, and other measures to ensure the sustainability of these species, based on the best available science and stakeholder input.
Another example is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries' Catch Share Program, which is a management approach that allocates a portion of the total allowable catch of a fish stock to individual fishermen or groups of fishermen. This approach can create incentives for fishermen to fish more efficiently and sustainably and has been shown to reduce bycatch and improve the economic performance of fisheries. Several fisheries on the East Coast, such as the Atlantic sea scallop and the Northeast multispecies groundfish fisheries, have implemented catch-share programs with positive results.
Coastal Resilience Planning
Coastal resilience planning is another important strategy for conserving coastal ecosystems on the East Coast in the face of climate change and sea level rise. This strategy involves developing and implementing plans and policies that enhance the ability of coastal communities and ecosystems to adapt to and recover from the impacts of coastal hazards, such as hurricanes, flooding, and erosion.
One example of a coastal resilience planning initiative on the East Coast is the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC), which is a regional partnership of New England states, federal agencies, and other stakeholders working to promote the sustainable use and conservation of ocean resources. NROC has developed a Regional Ocean Plan that identifies key coastal resources and uses and provides guidance for managing these resources in a way that enhances coastal resilience and reduces conflicts between different ocean users.
Another example is the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's (NFWF) Hurricane Sandy Coastal Resiliency Program, which is a grant program that supports projects that improve the resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions affected by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The program has funded a wide range of projects, such as living shorelines, wetland restoration, and flood risk reduction, that use nature-based solutions to enhance coastal resilience and protect coastal habitats and species.
Public Education and Outreach
Public education and outreach are also critical strategies for conserving coastal ecosystems on the East Coast. These strategies involve raising awareness and understanding among the public and decision-makers about the importance of coastal ecosystems, the threats they face, and the actions that can be taken to protect and restore them.
One example of a public education and outreach initiative on the East Coast is the Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Restaurants program, which is a certification program that recognizes restaurants that follow sustainable practices, such as reducing single-use plastics, conserving water and energy, and sourcing sustainable seafood. The program aims to raise awareness among restaurant owners and customers about the impacts of restaurant practices on coastal environments and to encourage more sustainable and ocean-friendly choices.
Another example is the National Estuarine Research Reserve System's (NERRS) Coastal Training Program, which is a national program that provides science-based training and technical assistance to coastal decision-makers, such as land use planners, elected officials, and natural resource managers. The program aims to enhance the capacity of these decision-makers to make informed decisions that support the conservation and sustainable use of coastal resources, based on the latest scientific knowledge and best practices.
Conservation Successes and Opportunities
Despite the many threats and challenges facing coastal ecosystems on the East Coast, there have also been many significant conservation successes and opportunities in recent years. Some examples of conservation successes and opportunities include:
Restoration of the Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and has long been impacted by pollution, habitat loss, and other human activities. However, in recent years, there have been significant efforts to restore the health and productivity of the bay ecosystem, led by the Chesapeake Bay Program and other partners. These efforts have included land protection, stream restoration, nutrient management, and other conservation strategies, and have resulted in measurable improvements in water quality, habitat conditions, and fish and wildlife populations.
For example, between 2009 and 2017, the Chesapeake Bay Program partners restored over 9,000 acres of wetlands, 1,200 miles of forest buffers, and 500 miles of streams in the bay watershed, and reduced nitrogen and phosphorus pollution by 15% and 14%, respectively. These efforts have also led to the recovery of key species, such as the striped bass and the bald eagle, and have enhanced the recreational and economic value of the bay for local communities and tourists.
Expansion of Marine Protected Areas
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are defined areas of the ocean where human activities are restricted or prohibited to protect marine ecosystems and species. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of MPAs for conserving coastal and marine biodiversity, and for supporting sustainable fisheries and other ocean uses.
On the East Coast, there have been several significant efforts to expand and strengthen the network of MPAs in recent years. For example, in 2016, President Obama designated the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument, which is the first marine national monument in the Atlantic Ocean. This monument covers an area of over 4,900 square miles off the coast of New England and includes deep-sea canyons and underwater mountains that are home to a wide variety of marine life, including whales, dolphins, and deep-sea corals.
Similarly, in 2020, the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries established the Frank R. Lautenberg Deep-Sea Coral Protection Area, which is a 38,000 square mile area off the coast of the Mid-Atlantic states that is closed to bottom-tending fishing gear to protect deep-sea coral habitats. This area is the largest protected area in the U.S. Atlantic and is expected to provide significant conservation benefits for a wide range of marine species and ecosystems.
Advancements in Sustainable Aquaculture
Aquaculture, or the farming of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic species, is a growing industry on the East Coast that can provide significant economic and social benefits to coastal communities. However, if not managed properly, aquaculture can also have negative impacts on coastal ecosystems, such as habitat loss, pollution, and the spread of invasive species.
In recent years, there have been significant advancements in sustainable aquaculture practices on the East Coast that can help minimize these impacts and support the conservation of coastal ecosystems. For example, several states, such as Maine and Virginia, have developed aquaculture permitting and leasing programs that require aquaculture operators to follow best management practices and monitor their environmental impacts.
In addition, there have been several innovative aquaculture projects on the East Coast that are using new technologies and approaches to enhance the sustainability and conservation benefits of aquaculture. For example, in Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and other partners have been working to restore native oyster populations in the bay through the use of oyster aquaculture. These efforts have not only helped to rebuild oyster reefs and enhance water quality but have also provided new economic opportunities for local watermen and communities.
Increased Public Awareness and Engagement
Finally, one of the most significant conservation successes and opportunities on the East Coast in recent years has been the increased public awareness and engagement in coastal conservation issues. As more people live, work, and recreate along the coast, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of coastal ecosystems and the need to protect and restore them.
This increased awareness and engagement has led to a wide range of citizen science, volunteer, and advocacy efforts on the East Coast that are helping to advance coastal conservation. For example, organizations like the Surfrider Foundation, the Ocean Conservancy, and the Audubon Society have mobilized thousands of volunteers to participate in beach cleanups, habitat restoration projects, and other conservation activities along the East Coast.
In addition, there has been a growing movement on the East Coast to incorporate coastal conservation and resilience into local and regional planning and decision-making processes. For example, several states, such as New York and Rhode Island, have developed comprehensive ocean plans that engage a wide range of stakeholders in the development of goals and strategies for the sustainable use and conservation of ocean resources.
These efforts are not only helping to raise awareness and build support for coastal conservation but are also providing new opportunities for individuals and communities to become directly involved in the stewardship of their local coastal environments.
Conclusion
The East Coast of the United States is home to some of the most diverse and valuable coastal ecosystems in the world, from the salt marshes and seagrass beds of the Mid-Atlantic to the coral reefs and mangroves of Florida. These ecosystems provide a wide range of benefits to people and wildlife, including habitat protection, water filtration, carbon sequestration, and recreational opportunities.
However, the East Coast's coastal ecosystems are also facing significant threats and challenges, from climate change and sea level rise to pollution and development pressure. To address these challenges, a wide range of conservation strategies and initiatives are being implemented by government agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.
These strategies include habitat protection and restoration, sustainable fisheries management, coastal resilience planning, and public education and outreach. While there is still much work to be done, there have also been many significant conservation successes and opportunities on the East Coast in recent years, from the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay to the expansion of marine protected areas.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the conservation of coastal ecosystems on the East Coast will require a sustained and collaborative effort by all stakeholders. This effort must be guided by the best available science and must engage and empower local communities and individuals in the stewardship of their coastal resources.
By working together to protect and restore the East Coast's coastal ecosystems, we can ensure that these valuable resources continue to provide benefits to people and wildlife for generations to come. This will require investment in research, monitoring, and conservation actions, as well as policies and programs that support the sustainable use and development of coastal resources.
Ultimately, the conservation of coastal ecosystems on the East Coast is not only an ecological imperative but also an economic and social one. By protecting and restoring these ecosystems, we can support the livelihoods and well-being of coastal communities, enhance the resilience of coastal infrastructure and economies, and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the East Coast for future generations.