Environmental problems in coastal ecosystems can sometimes be attributed to excess nutrients flowing from upstream watersheds into estuarine settings. This nutrient over-enrichment can result in toxic algal blooms, shellfish poisoning, coral reef destruction, and other harmful outcomes. All U.S. coasts show signs of nutrient over-enrichment, and scientists predict worsening problems in the years ahead. Clean Coastal Waters explains technical aspects of nutrient over-enrichment and proposes both immediate local action by coastal managers and a longer-term national strategy incorporating policy design, classification of affected sites, law and regulation, coordination, and communication. Highlighting the Gulf of Mexico's "Dead Zone," the Pfiesteria outbreak in a tributary of Chesapeake Bay, and other cases, the book explains how nutrients work in the environment, why nitrogen is important, how enrichment turns into over-enrichment, and why some environments are especially susceptible. Economic as well as ecological impacts are examined. In addressing abatement strategies, the committee discusses the importance of monitoring sites, developing useful models of over-enrichment, and setting water quality goals. The book also reviews voluntary programs, mandatory controls, tax incentives, and other policy options for reducing the flow of nutrients from agricultural operations and other sources.

At the beginning of the 1970’s, global grain reserves were level and food prices were low however as the decade progressed crop production plummeted leading to a food crisis. Originally published in the aftermath in 1977, Crosson and Frederick set out to explore the ability of agricultural output to meet the global food demands of future generations. This study analyses how resources and environmental factors would affect food production in developing countries and the United States until the end of the 21st Century. The environmental impacts of land levels, fertiliser and pesticide use are explored in relation to the challenges of meeting food demands. This title will be of interest to students of environmental studies.