Effects Of Nutrient Loading On Shallow Seagrass-Dominated Coastal Systems: Patterns And Processes

Coastal waters, including estuaries and nearshore oceanic environments, are among the most highly productive areas in the world. Despite comprising only 1-2% of total ocean area, coastal waters support approximately 20% of total oceanic primary production (Smith 1981, Charpy-Robaud & Sournia 1990) - which in turn fuels approximately 50% of marine fish production (Ryther 1969). Coastal waters are productive because of delivery of land-derived and upwelled nutrients, but in recent decades, terrestrial human sources have prompted cultural eutrophication across the coasts of the world.