Fish Habitat
Most commercial and game fish breed and raise their young in coastal marshes and estuaries. The majority of marine fish, 66 percent, rely on coastal wetlands at some stage in their life cycle. This equates to a significant food resource because one billion people worldwide eat fish as their primary source of protein.
The economic impact of wetland loss and degradation can be great given the recreation and consumptive value of fisheries. In Maine alone, commercial fishing is a $270 million a year industry, and employs 25,000 people. Wetland dependent species in the Louisiana fishery were valued at $264 million in 1989. In 1996, expenditures for recreational fishing were valued at nearly $38 billion.
What is Ducks Unlimited doing to enhance the fish habitat?
Read about the wetland conservation work in DU's Priority Areas that benefits fisheries as well as waterfowl.
More Wetland Benefits