Why Are Wetlands Important?

By: Erin Janes &

Danna Svejkosky

MARS 689: Wetland Ecology

Dr. Tom Linton

Fall 2003

The Value of Wetlands

Functions and ValuesWater

Quality Air Quality

Storm

Abatement Erosion

Control Flood Protection Fish & Wildlife

Habitat Spawing &

Nursery Habitat

Birds Recreation & Economy

Commercial Fisheries

Scientific/ Educational

Aesthetics

Air Quality

Stability of global levels of:1

Available nitrogen Atmospheric sulfur Carbon dioxide Methane

Photo by: Mike P. Murphree

Water QualityChemical and Physical Properties

Hydrologic conditions can be modified by:– Nutrient availability– Degree of substrate anoxia– Soil salinity– Sediment properties– pH

Water QualityBiotic Properties

Vegetation can control water conditions through:– Peat building– Sediment trapping– Nutrient retention– Water shading– Transpiration

Storm Abatement

Wetlands act as buffer of storm surge and wave energy

Sustain minimal damage Shelter inland property

“Regional wetlands are integral parts of larger landscapes—drainage basins, estuaries.”1

Erosion Control

Shoreline stabilization– Aerial parts of marsh plants dissipate wave energy

Both offshore and longshore transport of sediment are reduced

Dense stands can create a depositional environment

– Plants form dense root-rhizome mats, adding stability to the shore sediment

Particularly important during winter storms when aerial stems provide only limited resistance to the impact of waves

Erosion Control

Planting marsh grass is a better alternative than: Bulkheads Seawalls Rip rap

Gulf Intercoastal Waterway

Photo Courtesy of USACE, Galveston District

Shoreline Erosion Problems?Think Green…

From the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)

Flood Protection

Intercept storm runoff and store storm waters1

Reduces flood damage caused by peak flows

Seasonal variationsCase StudyUSACE study led to Corp’s decision to

purchase 3,400 hectares of wetlands in the Charles River Basin (Massachusetts) to effectively prevent flood damage, rather than build expensive flood-control structures to protect the city of Boston at the savings of $17 million per year.1

Fish Habitat

Ecosystem Diversity and Stability Spawning Habitat Nursery Habitat Food Production

Fish Habitat- Ecosystem Diversity and Stability

Wetlands play a significant role in maintaining a high level of biological diversity.

Wetlands provide a variety of habitats which increases:

species diversity species richness species numbers

Fish Habitat- Spawning and Nursery Habitat

Fish need specific environmental conditions for adequate spawning areas and juvenile habitat.

Spawning fish need:– Good water quality – Protection from predators– An adequate place to deposit eggs

Juvenile fish need:– Food– Good water quality– Protection from predators

Fish Habitat- Food Production

Nutrients, shallow water, and plants provide the necessary elements for the production of algae, zooplankton, and invertebrates, which are utilized by other fish.

For the Birds

Birds use wetlands for:– Breeding– Nesting– Rearing young– A source of drinking water– Feeding– Resting– Shelter– Social interactions

Fish and Wildlife Habitat

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimate that 43% of all threatened and endangered species rely directly or indirectly on wetlands for their survival.

Recreation and Economy

Hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, photography, and bird watching opportunities are abundant in our wetlands.

~98 million U.S. adults spend a total of $59.5 billion annually on recreational activities within wetlands.

Commercial Fisheries and Economy

Coastal wetlands support 60% - 90% of the commercial fisheries in the United States.

Big Business In Texas:2

•Provides jobs for 30,000 residents

•$400 million annually

•Shrimp

•Oysters

•Blue Crab

•Black Drum

•Southern Flounder

Other Values

Historical– Archeological finds suggesting the use of wetlands for a

variety of subsistence and commercial uses

Scientific/Educational– Scientific research to further our understanding of the ecology,

geology, chemistry, etc. of the Earth– Source of community education

Cultural– Representation of a community heritage

Other Values, cont.

Aesthetics– High quality of life

enjoyed by the general public and property owners