| Title | Geographic signature of North American west coast estuaries |
| Publication Type | Magazine Article |
| Year of Publication | 2000 |
| Authors | Emmett, Robert L., Roberto Lianso, Jan Newton, Ron Thom, Hornberger Mi Helle, Heryl Morgan, Olin Levings, Andrea Opping, and Paul Fishman |
| Secondary Title | Estuaries |
| Volume | 23 |
| Number | no.6 |
| Pagination | p.765-792 |
| Date Published | 2000 |
| Call Number | OSU Libraries: Valley QH541.5.E8 E82, Guin QH541.5.E8 E82, Electronic Subscription, Digital Open Access |
| Keywords | economics, geography, geology, human use and impacts, Pacific salmonids = Oncorhynchus spp., primary production, water pollution |
| Abstract | West Coast estuaries are geologically young and composed of a variety of geomorphological types. These estuaries range from large fjords to shallow lagoons; from large to low freshwater flows. Natural hazards include El Ninos, strong Pacific storms, and active tectonic activity. West Coast estuaries support a wide range of living resources: five salmon species, harvestable shellfish, waterfowl and marine birds, marine mammals, and a variety of algae and plants. Although populations of many of these living resources have declined (salmonids), others have increased (marine mammals). West Coast estuaries are also centers of commerce and increasingly large shipping traffic. The West Coast human population is rising faster than most other areas of the U. S. and Canada, and is distributed heavily in southern California, the San Francisco Bay area, around Puget Sound, and the Fraser River estuary. While water pollution is a problem in many of the urbanized estuaries, most estuaries do not suffer from poor water quality. Primary estuarine problems include habitat alterations, degradation, and loss; diverted freshwater flows; marine sediment contamination; and exotic species introductions. The growing West Coast economy and population are in part related to the quality of life, which is dependent on the use and enjoyment of abundant coastal natural resources. |
| Notes | General review. Netarts Bay is classified as a bar-built estuary. Because some of the authors were Federal employees, this is an open-access publication. |
| URL | https://wwwrcamnl.wr.usgs.gov/tracel/references/pdf/Estuaries_v23n6p765.pdf |
| DOI | 10.2307/1352998 |
| Label | 860 |
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