Environment DEC
From the November 2007 issue
Team to Address Vanishing Jamaica Bay Wetlands
A team comprising nearly a dozen experts from the Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Division of Water, Bureau of Marine Resources and Legal Counsel has been created to address the rapid loss of Jamaica Bay in Queens County. The team is responsible for developing strategies for ensuring long-term water and ecological quality.
In addition to serving as wildlife habitat, Jamaica Bay offers recreational opportunities
Jamaica Bay serves as a premier habitat for more than 300 different species of birds and 100 species of fish, while offering a broad range of recreational opportunities including fishing, birding and boating. The wetlands and surrounding areas in Jamaica Bay provide invaluable natural functions for habitat, marine research, pollutant reduction and flood control protection.
Progressive Loss of Marsh Lands
Determining the reasons for marsh loss will help guide development of an effective response
Studies have shown significant losses of vegetated tidal wetlands, principally Spartina alterniflora (intertidal marsh), in the marsh islands of Jamaica Bay. An examination of historic maps shows that between 1857 and 1924, the intertidal marsh islands area varied in size, with average changes of up to 10 acres per year. During periods of significant storms, there were losses of marsh islands, but in the years when there were no major storms, the marsh islands were able to rebuild.
Since 1974, studies show that the rate of loss of intertidal marsh islands is accelerating. Between 1974 and 1994, 526 acres of marsh islands were lost--an average rate of 26 acres per year. Between 1994 and 1999, 220 acres were lost--an average rate of 44 acres per year.
Team Objectives and Actions
Jamaica Bay's setting provides city residents with an opportunity to learn about tidal wetlands and their value to the area
The objective of the DEC response team is to look at the potential causes of vegetation loss and outline goals, recommendations and actions to address this threat and protect the remaining tidal marsh from further loss, while improving the marine environment. Long-term marsh restoration will be a central focus of the response team.As part of the action plan, DEC's team of experts will conduct a complete review of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Jamaica Bay Comprehensive Report and work with DEP on an agreement and course of action to take with the plan. The team will outline the actions needed to address the marsh loss that may be caused, in whole or in part, by nutrient nitrogen discharges. It also will evaluate compliance with water-quality standards that, in turn, may heighten programs for sewage treatment plants, wetlands and habitat restoration.
