There's something in the water, part II

By Lee Landor
    As inhabitants of an island, we’re surrounded by water. Whether that water is a clean, healthy ecosystem thriving with life or an eyesore clogged with debris is largely up to us. Here are five simple things Long Islanders can do to keep our waterways vibrant and beautiful.

Use less fertilizer
    Fertilizer causes algae and other life forms to grow out of control, eventually stripping the water of oxygen. This results in what are called “dead zones” — areas with low levels of oxygen from which fish and other aquatic life must flee. Being judicious with fertilizer is always a good idea, but be extra careful when it’s been raining a lot — a much higher percentage of chemicals will wash into storm drains and out into the ocean during periods of high precipitation.

Eat sustainable seafood
    The saying goes that there are plenty of fish in the sea, but experts are increasingly warning that this may not be so. Fishing practices worldwide are depleting populations, polluting waters and destroying marine habitats. When buying fish, look for terms like “line-caught” or “diver-caught.” Learn more about aquaculture, or fish farming, which is an alternative that limits overfishing, illegal and unregulated fishing, and bycatch (the accidental capture of unwanted species). For a continually updated list of sustainable seafood choices, see Monetereybayaquarium.org or just fire up your smartphone — both iPhone and Android offer apps to track the most friendly fishies for your table.

Carry reusable bags and bottles