Which of the following practices can help maintain water quality in coastal regions?

Maintaining water quality in coastal regions is crucial for the health of marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The reduction of pollutants and nutrients from runoff directly addresses one of the major threats to water quality. When rainwater flows over land, it can carry fertilizers, pesticides, oil, and other pollutants into bodies of water. By implementing practices that minimize this runoff, such as creating buffer zones with vegetation, employing better agricultural practices, and managing stormwater more effectively, the introduction of harmful substances into coastal waters can be significantly decreased. This, in turn, helps to preserve aquatic life and ensure a healthier environment for all marine organisms.

In contrast, practices such as overfishing, the expansion of industrial activities, and an increase in urbanization contribute to water quality degradation. Overfishing disrupts marine ecosystems, while industrial activities and urbanization often increase runoff and introduce more pollutants into water systems. This highlights the importance of implementing strategies focused on pollution reduction to safeguard coastal water quality.