4.2 Aquatic Communities
counties, which are being marketed as the “Inner Banks.” Land conversion for development and shoreline alterations are a major cause of wetland loss in estuarine systems (Deaton et al. 2010). Historically, the major causes of wetland loss and degradation have been conversion to agriculture, silviculture, and upland development (including road construction). Ditching and draining for agriculture is currently maintained by drainage districts to accommodate existing agriculture and forestry operations. Residential and commercial development continues to create wetland impacts, with approximately 1,700 acres of permitted impacts occurring between 2001 and 2008 (Deaton et al. 2010) . In North Carolina, proposed and com- pleted bridge projects cause loss and degradation of SAV habitat, wetlands, and adjacent uplands. However, a lack of updated wetland and shoreline maps makes tracking the changes to this resource difcult. Dredging. Dredging for creation or maintenance of navigational channels and inlets will result in degradation or elimination of SAV habitat. Te change in bottom depth, bottom sediment characteristics, and water clarity that accompanies dredged channels prevents or discourages future growth or establishment of SAV. Dredged channels connecting mari- nas and small docking facilities (including boat ramps) to major navigation channels are another source of SAV habitat loss and degradation. Vertical shoreline stabilization and docking facilities associated with marinas may also impact SAV (Stevenson and Confer 1978; Funderburk et al. 1991; Deaton et al. 2010) . Energy Development. Although wind farms are generally considered a source of green energy, the construction of towers and infrastructure can impact immediate and adjacent marine or estuarine habitats (Ó Cléirigh 2000 ; Deaton et al. 2010). Legislative requirements in North Carolina call for utilities to develop renewable and alternative energy resources and will increase the likelihood that ofshore wind turbines or oil drilling remain a threat to coastal habitats. Tere is an increasing interest in the development of wind farms in Albemarle and Pamlico sounds, as well as of the coast of Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout, as these areas have some of the most abundant wind resources in the state (Deaton et al. 2010; Kalo and Schiavinato 2009) . Ofshore mining would disturb the ocean bottom and drill operations would introduce oil and chemical contaminants to the water column. Wind turbines pose a risk of strikes to sea birds and waterfowl. Water Quality. Sources of water quality degradation cover a wide range of structures (houses, businesses, impervious surfaces), facilities (marinas, boat ramps), and condi- tions (temperature, runof). Marinas are located immediately adjacent to shorelines where upland pollutants coming from boats, parking lots and hull maintenance areas can often fow directly into coastal waters (Deaton et al. 2010) . Water quality impacts can be caused by nutrient enrichment, turbidity, toxic chemicals, desalinization, marine debris, microbial
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2015 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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