SUMMARY

 This study and the available literature reveals that

the Benner Bay-Mangrove Lagoon area is one of diversity;

diversity not only of habitat types but in the degree of

anthropogenic destruction throughout the area. Benner Bay,

as a result of concentrated development for marine faci-

lities, is biologically devastated. Water color and clarity

are extremely poor because of an extremely high loading of

various dissolved and suspended pollutants, including clay,

organic matter and hydrocarbons. The visibility is so poor

that the bottom cannot be seen anywhere in the Bay even

though the maximum depth is only about 2.5 meters. Diur-

nal oxygen balance indicates an excess of respiration over
photosynthesis. In addition, the Bay is well protected

and, while perhaps desirable for marina facilities, is

incapable of handling the present pollution load because

the rate of addition is greater than the rate of removal.

It is expected that the Benner Bay environment and water

quality will continue to deteriorate, although further

changes will, relatively speaking, be of no great import.

 Water quality and natural systems are less affected to

the west along the northern fringe of the study area and

improve rapidly toward the south. There is an obvious plume


Page 28