Water Quality

Water quality is a key element in planning for a healthy blue environment. Clean water supports the survival of marine life, sustains critical habitats and ensures safe conditions for recreation and fisheries. Poor water quality, caused by pollutants, excess nutrients or acidification, can lead to harmful algal blooms, habitat degradation and reduced survival in marine

---

Natural Resources

The marine resources off Delaware’s coast are forced to adapt to increased human interactions and disturbances, known as anthropogenic impacts, warming waters and acidification. As essential components of Delaware’s ecosystem, marine resources in the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay provide ecosystem services such as supporting biodiversity, regulating climate, absorbing carbon dioxide and providing clean air.

---