The northeast is one of the most urbanized areas in the country, with a high percentage of impervious surfaces in some of its watersheds. These impervious surfaces alter the water flow (hydrology) of streams and increase sedimentation, nutrient loading, and pollution in rivers, lakes, and bays. Urbanization also results in the direct loss of fish habitat as wetlands are filled, streams diverted, and channels dredged. The effects of urbanization are apparent in the greater New York City area, Boston, Westchester-Springfield, Providence, and Buffalo-Rochester. However, increasing suburban sprawl also has a significant negative affect on aquatic habitats. From 1982 to 2012, developed land increased by almost three million acres in the [...]
