POLLUTANT DISCHARGE

An important step in the management plan review is the process of characterizing priority issues.  "Pollutant Discharge" was identified as one of six priority issues through the public scoping process and by the sanctuary advisory council and sanctuary staff.  In response, the sanctuary advisory council formed a working group to address this issue.  Through a series of public meetings and/or workshops, the working group will develop their final recommendations on management activities and strategies to be considered by the full council and the sanctuary superintendent. The following summarizes the work done by members of the subcommittee or working group and presents an overview of the issue and suggested action strategies.

Working Group Members:

• James Sinclair, Chairperson, Council Minerals Management Service Representative
• Doug Weaver, FGBNMS GIS Specialist
• Vicki Wedell, NMSP Program Analyst

The Issue:

Discharge of pollutants from sources inside and outside the sanctuary may have potentially detrimental impacts on sanctuary resources.  The quality of coastal waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico is in decline due to pollutants associated with the discharge of major river systems (such as the Mississippi and Atchafalaya) and general coastal runoff throughout the region. Predominant current patterns direct much of this water away from the FGBNMS, but minor changes in circulation patterns could bring contaminated water to the sanctuary.

Many vessels enter the sanctuary for diving, fishing and research visits. Pollution concerns from visiting and transiting vessels include exhaust, oil spills, fuel spills, human waste and bilge discharge from fishing vessels. The discharge of untreated sewage from vessels is not allowed within the sanctuary. However, the discharge from a U.S. Coast Guard approved marine sanitation device (MSD) is currently allowed. Other vessel discharges include “gray water” from showers and galleys, deck runoff and incidental release of petrochemicals from engine use.

To date, very little coral disease has been documented at the FGBNMS, probably due to many factors, including distance from shore and excellent water quality. There is some evidence that a coral’s immune system may be compromised by exposure to a variety of pollutants, thus lowering its resistance and making it more susceptible to invasion by a disease pathogen.

The Strategy:

Our goal is to develop strategies to provide increased protection for FGBNMS resources from the variety of pollutant discharges.

Download a copy of the Pollutant Discharge Fact Sheet (200kb pdf).

Questions or comments? Email fgbmanagmentplan@noaa.gov.