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             Ten  Ways  to  Protect  Estuaries
           Learn more about estuaries!
                Visit www.estuaries.gov.
  Keep septic systems working properly.
      Pump your system every three years.
 Pave less. Hard surfaces hasten
 runoff and increase pollution
             and erosion.

   Adhere to "no-wake"
zones when on your boat.
Waves destroy shorelines and
             increase erosion.
Think before your pour. Many hazardous
      products flow from household drains
      through sewage treatment plants and
              into coastal bodies of water.
      Fish respectfully. Follow "catch and
         release" practices and keep more
                             fish alive.
 Create non-toxic pesticides.
 A bit of soap and water does
 the job and keeps harmful chemicals from
 ending up in nearby waterways.

    Use native plants. Garden and land-
       scape with plants native to your
           area to reduce the need for
              watering and fertilizing.
              Respect habitat. Treat
            the homes of vital marine
           life with care. Habitat and survivial
         go hand-in-hand. When habitat
       disappears, so do many plants and
 animals.

 Take action! Organize a stream or
 beach cleanup. Encourage your local
 newspaper to write a story, or ask an expert
 to speak at your community organization or
 local school.

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