Alabama coastal marsh. Photo credit: NOAA Rubberlip serfperch explore kelp forests off the coast of southern California. Photo credit: Dave Witting Commercial fishing boat in the Gulf of Mexico. Photo credit: NOAA

Coastal and marine habitats include submerged aquatic vegetation, oyster reefs, coral reefs, coastal marshes, mangroves, kelp forests, and rivers, to name just a few. These are sites of ecological, economic, and cultural value, as well as unparalleled beauty. By providing shelter, feeding, spawning, and nursery grounds, these habitats support estuarine, marine, and diadromous fish, as well as shellfish, sea turtles, and marine mammals. For example, estuaries are critical at some point in the life cycle of approximately 75 percent (by weight) of the nation's commercial catch of fish and shellfish (NOAA NMFS 1999). These areas are also important nesting, cover, and feeding areas for birds and other terrestrial species. And coastal and marine habitats filter pollution and sediment from runoff, enable aquifer recharge, and provide a buffer against the destructive forces of nature.

But coastal and marine habitats around the nation are in jeopardy due to loss and degradation, victims of their own desirability and usefulness. Impacts often arise from urbanization, agriculture, forestry, port development, and industry. And each year thousands more people move to the coast, thereby exacerbating habitat loss. The number of people living in coastal counties - only 17 percent of total contiguous land area in the United States (not including Alaska) - now represents over half of the nation's population (Crossett et al. 2004). Many of these limited land areas continue to experience substantial population growth, with the greatest increases occurring in Florida and California .

Habitat loss and degradation seriously affect species population size and biodiversity. Some significant declines have included New England groundfish (e.g., cod), oysters, Atlantic and Pacific salmon, and sea turtles. As of May 2006, 61 marine and diadromous species were listed as endangered and threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), 43 species were listed as species of concern, and all sea turtles were listed either as endangered or threatened. In addition to habitat loss, other factors such as overfishing, introduction of invasive species, and climate dynamics can be significant contributors to species decline.

Habitat loss and degradation also weaken the protective aspects of certain ecosystem functions . The vulnerability of coastlines and infrastructure to winds, waves, storm surges, and floods increases with habitat loss, resulting in rising costs of repair and maintenance. Human health is also jeopardized by fish and shellfish contamination, polluted recreation areas, and threats to drinking water supplies.

Impacts to coastal habitats and resources affect unique, centuries-old cultures, traditions, and ways of life dependent on the marine environment's diversity. Educational opportunities are foregone as these living laboratories are compromised. And recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, diving, and wildlife viewing are diminished, often with significant impacts on tourism economies.

Because the challenges facing these habitats will only increase, the importance of restoring coastal and marine habitats, as well as educating citizens about their importance, cannot be overstated. Developing and using technically sound habitat restoration measures, in conjunction with good habitat conservation, will ensure that these areas of exceptional diversity survive the trials of the 21st century, allowing their benefits to be shared with future generations.

References Cited