GOAL: Protect and restore imperiled Gulf Coast marshlands that provide wintering habitat for millions of ducks, geese and other wildlife species.
Each year, Louisiana's coastal marshes host up to 20% of the nation's wintering waterfowl. More than 10 million ducks and geese from the Mississippi and Central flyways winter on Louisiana's coast. These vanishing wetlands also support important commercial fisheries and provide extraordinary outdoor recreation such as hunting, fishing, birdwatching and canoeing.
When violent storms occur, coastal wetlands provide a protective buffer, soaking up excess water and minimizing storm surges. Scientists estimate that one mile of marsh can reduce a storm surge by about one foot.
Since the 1930s, more than 1,900 square miles of these vital marshlands have disappeared and the loss continues today. Every 30 minutes, another area of coastland the size of a football field disappears. This loss also endangers the fisheries resource, which contributes to a multimillion dollar industry vital to the economy of the region. A myriad of other waterbirds and wildlife also depend on Louisiana’s marshes.
Ducks Unlimited’s conservation plan for the Louisiana coast is two-fold. First, we must ensure that sound policies and partnerships are in place to support wetland habitats in the region. Second, DU must continue our leading role in conserving and restoring these coastal marshes. Ducks Unlimited has pledged $15 million for conservation work in the region.
We’re living up to that pledge, and you can help by supporting the Louisiana Coastal Conservation Initiative.
Related Resources