 At a scary rate of 24 square miles per year, America's Wetlands along Louisiana's Border with the Gulf of Mexico, are vanishing. There is a dire need for coastal restoration in this area.
As the wetlands disappear, habitat is lost putting at risk numerous threatened and endangered species. During the winter this is the home for more than five million waterfowl and migratory birds. National Geographic Magazine wrote in October of 2004, "As a wildlife habitat, it [South Louisiana] makes Florida's Everglades look like a petting zoo by comparison."
This isn't just about the ecological concerns. This is also about economical issues. This is a working wetland, hosting production and distribution of 80% of America's offshore oil and gas supply. As the protective wetlands and barrier islands disappear, oil and gas infrastructure along the coast becomes exposed to open Gulf conditions. And more than 30% of the nation’s fisheries catch in the continental U.S. comes from offshore Louisiana.
As impossible as it may sound there are precautions that can be taken to slow further erosion AND to restore what has been lost. The main strategies of the plan are watershed management, such as river diversions and improved drainage, and watershed structural repair, such as the restoration of barrier islands.
Do your part, speak up.Labels: coastal restoration, endangered species, erosion |
