Issue: Condition of the ocean and coastal waters - Water quality
This is an issue under the Coasts and oceans theme of the Data Reporting System.
Why we need to know about this issue
The health of the ocean’s biodiversity is crucial to the condition of the oceans themselves. Marine biota is essential to water quality. Physical marine conditions such as water quality, salinity levels, and alkalinity are likewise essential to the well-being of marine and life at the land-ocean interface (such as estuaries and coastal lakes).
Indicators
- CO-46 Comparative water quality of coastal lakes and lagoons (water quality gradient from north to south)
Water quality in coastal lakes is an indicator of the condition of the aquatic habitat more broadly. - CO-72 Changes in sea acidity/alkalinity
Changes in the acidity of the oceans may also affect water quality, with significant impacts on marine organisms. - CO-60 Sea salinity
Changes in coastal ocean salinity may also occur as a result of changes in freshwater runoff from the land. Localised changes in salinity may be indicative of a change in water quality.
Related issues
- Coasts and Oceans - Contributions and pressures between the coasts and oceans and the atmosphere- Climate and carbon dioxide
- Coasts and Oceans - Direct pressure of human activities on coasts and oceans- Direct pressures of harvesting non-living materials
- Coasts and Oceans - Direct pressure of human activities on coasts and oceans- Direct pressure of shipping
- Coasts and Oceans - Direct pressure of human activities on coasts and oceans- Direct pressure of coastal activities (other than shipping and fishing)
Key
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Links to data in the DRS
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