Controlling excessive nutrient enrichment of coastal waters

Coastal waters benefit from nutrients that are carried away by surface flow, in streams, or by groundwater discharge. In temperate regions, nutrients stored in growing wetland plants are released when the water cools and the plants die in winter. The value of coastal fisheries is attributable to this vital support function provided by coastal wetlands (i.e. supply of organic material), in addition to their role as breeding or nursery areas for fish.