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Buzzards Bay
Coastal and Estuary Quick Finder |
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Summary Information
| Year Established: | Established 1985. Accepted into the National Estuary Program in 1987. |
| Location: | Massachusetts |
| Area of Watershed: | 1,939 square kilometers |
Priority Management Issues: |
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nutrients pathogens contaminated seafood habitat loss/alteration | |
Major Habitat Types: |
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submerged aquatic vegetation (sea grass) shellfish growing areas beach/dune salt/brackish marsh |
forested wetland salt ponds riparian/riverine |
Federally Endangered or Threatened Species: |
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birds: roseate tern |
Overviews and Highlights
Buzzards Bay provides diverse habitat of salt marshes, sandy beaches, eelgrass beds, small embayments, tidal streams and urban ports. The waters of the Bay are used for shellfishing, swimming, boating, and marine transportation. Buzzards Bay as a whole is still considered a relatively healthy watershed. However, waters of the smaller embayments are threatened by increasing amounts of contamination. Pollution associated with residential development, industrial wastes, and sewage contamination, as indicated by fecal coliform bacteria and elevated nitrogen levels, contributes to a decline of water quality in some locations. The Buzzards Bay Management Plan identified the following problems that require management attention: health risks from pathogens associated with the improper treatment or disposal of human wastes, and the subsequent closure of shellfish beds; excessive nutrient inputs into the Bay; contamination of fish, shellfish, and lobsters by toxic substances; and loss of habitat and resources.
Maps
Select a map.
- Local Maps
Buzzards Bay Study Area
(area where the program is concentrating its efforts)
Buzzards Bay Watershed
(estuarine and fluvial drainage areas for the estuary)
- Regional Maps- Northeast
Locations of Estuaries in the NEP
Watersheds of Estuaries in the NEP
Study Areas of Estuaries in the NEP
