The Case of the Disappearing Wetlands
Why Should We Care?/Flood Protection/Erosion Control
Water Quality/Water Supply
Food For Birds, Beasts, and Humans/Jobs
Outdoor Classroom/Fun and Relaxation

Food For Birds, Beasts, and Humans

Because wetland soils are so unique and rich they provide habitat, food, shelter, and nurseries for many birds, mammals, fish and shellfish. In addition, approximately half of the organic matter produced in marshes is transported downstream to the estuary or the sea, as detritus, and forms the base of the food chain. As wetlands diminish in size, birds, fish and mammals that depend on them for food are also declining.

Commercially important products harvested from wetlands include fish, shellfish, cranberries, timber, and wild rice, as well as some medicines derived from wetland soils and plants. Fish & shellfish species that are dependent on wetlands for food or habitat, comprise more than 75% of the commercial, and 90% of the recreational harvest of these creatures. According to the EPA, the U.S. commercial fisheries harvest is valued at more than $2 Billion annually, and is the basis for a $26.8 billion fishery processing and sales industry. Clearly an asset that we can't afford to lose!

Jobs

In addition to the enormous boost to the economy provided by the Commercial and Sports Fishing Industries, wetlands contribute to many jobs not often thought of as being related to wetlands. There is, for example, the travel industry, which provides food, lodging and transportation services to the millions of people who utilize wetlands for fun. More than half of all U.S. adults hunt, fish, birdwatch or photograph wildlife, spending a total of $59.5 billion annually, according to a 1995 EPA study. Waterfowl hunters spend over $630 million annually to harvest wetland dependent birds. Approximately 17 million Americans spend at $18 billion annually on coastal wetlands-dependent recreational fishing.

Then too, people buy equipment to use when they play -. Birdwatchers need binoculars and books, photographers need cameras and film, hunters, trappers and fishers need specialized equipment, and this translates to jobs for people who make that equipment, and jobs for people who sell it.

Last, but not least, sportsmen must pay federal and state license fees and special taxes - in order to be allowed to pursue their sport. In most cases, this money makes its way into Land & Water Conservation Fund, which is then utilized to purchase and protect more wetlands.

Back to Top        Next>