Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
nonpolluting businesses were established. As the water qual-
ity in the Hackensack River improved dramatically, there have
been striking increases in the numbers of fish, bird, and inver-
tebrate species. More than 50 species of fish now use the estu-
ary for parts of their life cycles. Despite the fact that sediments
remain contaminated and consumption of fish and crabs is
prohibited, the lower Hackensack River has been declared
an “essential fish habitat” by the National Marine Fisheries
Service, an action mandated by Congress for each federally
managed fish species. Much marsh restoration is ongoing, and
the area is pleasant to visit. Social and recreational uses (e.g.,
ecotours) of the Meadowlands are increasing and provide ben-
efits to urban populations, including awareness and appre-
ciation of the environment and local wildlife. Recreational
facilities such as parks, trails, overlooks, boardwalks, wildlife
observation sites, an environmental park offering canoe trips,
nature walks, bird watching, and an environmental center are
functioning in the midst of this densely populated region just
three miles from Manhattan.
How can we reduce pollution from aquaculture?
While floating cage cultures release fish waste, contami-
nants, and uneaten food, closed farms onshore contain their
wastes and other byproducts, making them easier to handle.
US fish farmers are experimenting with enclosed, recircu-
lating systems, which filter wastewater and compost solid
wastes to reduce impacts of untreated wastes. These farms
can be located away from sensitive habitats where fish feed
and breed. Freshwater tilapia, catfish, cobia, and trout are
raised inland in the United States. Arctic char can also be
raised onshore in systems that recirculate water, reducing
disease transfer and pollution. All of these species are deli-
cious alternatives to ocean-farmed species; most any fish—
even salmon—can be farmed far away from sensitive marine
habitats.
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