Photo of a marsh. Credit: Ryan Hagerty/USFWS

Wetlands

Cause for Concern

53 percent of the nation’s wetlands have disappeared because of agriculture, development, and transportation. Loss of wetlands means loss of habitat for fish. Wetlands are essential in the following ways:

• Fish use them for spawning areas

• Food source for fish

• Provide shade and cover to hide from predators

• Cycle nutrients

• The vegetation and microbes filter out pollutants

• Reduce erosion

• Stabilize river flows during drought and flood

Benefits of Restoring Wetlands

The benefits of restoring wetlands include protection of vital habitat for fish, increased opportunities for angling, and restoration of cleaner streams.

What can you do?

• Participate in restoring wetlands (find out how by contacting state and federal agencies)

• Keep motor oil, litter, pet waste, and other contaminants away from waterways

• Demand no net loss of wetlands in your community

Leverett Pond in Leverett, MA. Credit: USFWS

Additional Information

• Refer to this link for information on the Wetlands Reserve Program, which provides financial support for landowners wanting to restore their own wetlands.

• Visit this link for information on wetlands protection refer to In New England, EPA has an “Adopt-a-Wetland” program

• For information on wetlands and fish species found there, refer to NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation