Technical Implementation
Survey Area
The area delineated in red was selected for surveys to identify specific sources of pollution. Site inspections involved sampling ammonia using a Hanna Portable Photometer Kit (Hanna instruments, Woonsocket, RI), taking photographs, and marking coordinates of surveyed locations.
Identifying Sources
PVC pipes discharging directly into the water were a common finding among the stilt houses. Sewage as well as undesirable greases and detergents can directly enter the local ecosystem.
Recovery Over Time
Even sites of removed or destroyed stilt houses show excess algae growth, indicating persistence of the impacts of point-source effluent dumping. These impacts take time for the ecosystem to recover. Recovery can be accelerated by removing other stressors from the nearshore ecosystem.