http://marinedebrisblog.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/marine-debris-in-new-york-citys-backyard/

Marine Debris in New York City?s Backyard

April 10, 2014 by NOAA Marine Debris Program

By: Lisa Scheppke, Guest Blogger

When people think about New York City, a rich and diverse wildlife
habitat is not usually what comes to mind. However, NYC is home to
Jamaica Bay, a unique intact estuarine ecosystem consisting of 25,000
acres of salt marshes, intertidal flats and upland forests. 330 species
of birds, 70 species of butterflies and over 100 species of finfish,
breed, spend the winter in, or use the area as a vital migratory
stopover. Situated in both Brooklyn and Queens, Jamaica Bay has an
abundance of shellfish and benthic fauna and is visited by the
federally-listed endangered Kemp?s ridley sea turtle, the
federally-listed threatened loggerhead turtle and the largest population
of diamondback terrapins in the Northeast. Fishermen, boaters, birders,
bicyclists and nature lovers come from across the five boroughs and
beyond to enjoy this incredible natural resource.

Since the Industrial Revolution, the ecology of the bay has faced
challenges from several factors, including dumping, over-development,
pollution and a lack of awareness of its rich resources. As a result,
the bay?s valuable tidal salt marshes are declining at an alarming rate.
In addition to the pre-existing marine debris issues in Jamaica Bay,
Hurricane Sandy brought up to six feet of flooding throughout the
surrounding communities, along with an overwhelming amount of large
marine debris, including boats, docks, pilings and construction debris.
Pollutants from derelict vessels were released into the water and
marshes and essential aquatic habitats were damaged by large marine
debris compacting sediments and smothering vegetation.