\ t w ere rvers m eet the sea 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. ------- |