The United States has lost approximately 80,000 acres of
coastal wetlands between 2004 and 2009 according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Much of
this loss is blamed on development and has occurred in freshwater regions.
Additionally, more than 70% of the loss is from the Gulf of Mexico. According to the EPA wetland loss in the
eastern U.S. is happening at a rate double that of what is being restored.
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In addition to development, causes for wetland loss include
tree farming and powerful tropical storms, which overcome wetlands creating open water.
The EPA
defines coastal wetlands as “salt marshes, bottomland hardwood swamps,
fresh marshes, mangrove swamps, and shrubby depressions known in the southeast
United States as ‘pocosins.’ Coastal wetlands cover about 40 million acres and
make up 38 percent of the total wetland acreage in the conterminous United
States. Eight-one percent of coastal wetlands in the conterminous United States
are located in the Southeast.”
Wetlands are integral to our ecological network. They support fish and wildlife, improve water quality through
filtration and protect against erosion and flooding. Wetlands serve as an absorbent
sponge for inland and coastal upstream communities. Flooding events and subsequent economic impact are minimized with the protection and restoration of
wetland communities.
The EPA offers advice for wetlands:
1.
Participate in programs that help protect and
restore wetlands.
2.
Report illegal actions including wetland fill or dredging activities to government authorities.
3.
Dispose of litter properly. Keep surface areas
that wash into storm drains clean from pet waste, toxic chemicals, fertilizers,
and motor oil.
4.
Use native species when planting trees, shrubs,
and flowers to preserve the ecological balance.
5.
If shorelines or riverbanks need to be stabilized,
use “living shoreline” techniques that make use of plant roots for soil stabilization.
6.
Avoid wetlands if you are expanding your house
or installing a shed.
7.
Use phosphate-free detergents as phosphates
encourage algae growth, which suffocate aquatic life.
8.
Use paper and recycled products made from
unbleached paper. Bleached paper contains toxic chemicals that contaminate
water.
9.
Use non-toxic products for household use. Never
spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day that it
might rain and wash the chemicals into waterways.
10. Enjoy
the scenic and recreational opportunities coastal wetlands offer; minimize the
use of heavy equipment. Remain in designated visitor areas.
Read more at the Environmental
Protection Agency.
Baby
duck on lily pad image via Shutterstock.