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Coastal Wetlands and Their Importance to Fish (and People too)

Sunday        March 21     1 – 2 pm

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Marine Fisheries Service

The relationships between coastal wetlands and fish are an essential and important part of the ongoing debate on wetland policy. Unfortunately, these relationships are complicated and often unappreciated. Biologists have determined that wetlands play an important part in providing food, protection, and spawning areas for many fish and shellfish species.  For some, such as shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico, the connection to wetlands has been demonstrated through extensive research. For others, such as American lobster, the connection to wetlands has been discovered only recently.

Approximately 60% of the Nation's commercial fish and shellfish depend on estuaries at some stage in their life cycle. Estuaries themselves depend on their wetlands to maintain water quality and provide the basis for food chains that culminate in human consumption of seafood. Without wetlands, estuarine-dependent fish and shellfish cannot survive.

Susan-Marie Stedman, a wetland scientist and policy analyst who has worked with wetlands and fish for over 30 years, will talk about the relationship between fish and wetlands, current trends in wetland loss and gain in the coastal areas of the United States, and what local citizens can do to protect wetlands in their communities. Registration required.  Zoom link will be provided at time of registration.

Ages:  Adults/Teens           FREE