Nutrient Pollution in Casco Bay (Fact Sheet)

Authors

Casco Bay Estuary Partnership
Casco Bay Nutrient Council

Document Type

Fact Sheet

Publication Date

8-2019

Abstract

NUTRIENT POLLUTION IN CASCO BAY: AN EMERGING ISSUE • Nutrient pollution is emerging as one of Casco Bay’s most challenging problems. We usually think of “nutrients” as things that make food nutritious, but when we add excess nutrients to coastal waters, it boosts plant growth, which has many unintended consequences. • Due to our region’s relatively low population, Casco Bay’s water quality is generally excellent compared to other coastal bays close to urban and suburban areas. However, the Bay is beginning to experience effects of excess nutrients. • In Casco Bay, nutrient pollution is principally caused by excess nitrogen entering the Bay. • Several areas in Casco Bay are of greatest concern: Portland Harbor, the Harraseeket, the Royal River, and the upper New Meadows.

Comments

CBEP is funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency under Cooperative Agreements #CE96190301, #CE00A00063, and #CE00A00299-0 with the University of Southern Maine.

Recommended Citation

Casco Bay Estuary Partnership and Casco Bay Nutrient Council, "Nutrient Pollution in Casco Bay (Fact Sheet)" (2019). Publications. 333.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/cbep-publications/333

Location

Casco Bay, Casco Bay watershed