ANEP: About Estuaries - Buzzards Bay

About Estuaries:
Insights on the NEPs - Buzzards Bay

Buzzards Bay has avoided many of the baywide water quality problems that plague other more urbanized watersheds on the eastern seaboard. Nevertheless, current land use practices and a growing population are stressing water quality and natural resources. Particularly sensitive are the 32 small embayments and harbors that make up the coast of Buzzards Bay. The limited flushing capacity of these areas further intensifies the decline of valuable resources such as eelgrass and important shellfish habitats.

Major threats to the bay and watershed include bacteria and pathogen contamination, nutrient loading, loss of habitat, and toxic pollution. Most often nonpoint source pollution pathways such as stormwater and groundwater discharges contribute to the problems observed. Bacterial contamination has resulted in the closure of shellfish beds and bathing beaches which has a significant negative impact on the local economy. Loss of habitat and water qualty declines from nutrient loading are also a concern of many residents.

The vast majority of actions recommended in the Buzzards Bay Management Plan are directed at local governments, a reflection of the fact that the authority for dealing with nonpoint source impacts typically rests with municipalities.

For more information regarding the Buzzards Bay Project:

Call (508) 291-3625

Write 2870 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham, MA 02538

E-mail tracy.warncke@state.ma.us

Please visit our website at http://www.buzzardsbay.org