Habitat Conections: Wetlands, Fisheries and
Economics
Pacific Coastal States | South Atlantic |
New England |
Gulf of Mexico | Mid Atlantic
Part Four: Wetlands, Fisheries, & Economics in the Gulf of Mexico
The relationships between wetlands and fish production are an essential and important part of the ongoing debate on wetland regulation and policy. Unfortunately these relationships are complicated and often unappreciated. For some fisheries, such as shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico, the connection between wetlands and productivity has been demonstrated through extensive research. For others, such as salmon in the Pacific northwest, the relationship between habitat loss and productivity has been shown principally through the failure of the fisheries themselves. For a few fisheries, such as lobster, the connection to wetlands has been discovered only recently, and the primary influences on productivity are still being investigated. Because of the complexity of aquatic systems, it is difficult to quantify the exact effect of the loss or degradation of a particular acre of wetland on a fishery as a whole.
However, the life cycles of most commercial fish and shellfish species are fairly well understood, and biologists have determined that wetlands play an important part in providing food, protection, and spawning areas for a number of species. Approximately 75% 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. Many estuarine-dependent species have even closer ties to wetlands in that they feed, take refuge, or reproduce in the wetlands themselves. Without wetlands, these fish and shellfish cannot survive.
Commercial marine fisheries contributed $19.8 billion in value added to the U.S. Gross National Product in 1993. Commercial fishing in 1988 employed over 274,000 fishers and 90,000 shore workers. Fresh water and saltwater recreational fisheries in 1991 supported 924,600 jobs, provided $19.2 billion in earnings, and resulted in $24 billion in expenditures. This industry also contributed $ 1. I billion in state sales tax, $227 million in state income taxes, and $2.1 billion in Federal income taxes.
The following summaries for the Gulf of Mexico coastal states provide information about the contribution of commercial and recreational fisheries to local and state economies, the relationships between the important fish species and wetlands, and the status of wetland habitats. About 98% of the commercial fish and shellfish harvested in the Gulf of Mexico are dependent on estuaries and the wetlands that are an integral part of estuarine ecosystems. Shrimp, oyster, menhaden, and mackerel, which are important elements of the Gulf of Mexico's fisheries, are dependent on the wetlands of this region.
In the late 1970's and early 1980's, this country was losing wetlands at an estimated rate of 300,000 acres per year. The Clean Water Act and state wetland protection programs have helped to decrease wetland losses to an estimated 70,000 to 90,000 acres per year. Strong wetland protection must continue to be a national priority, otherwise fisheries that support more than a million jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the national economy are at risk.
Florida
Recreational fisheries are a big business in Florida, generating $115 million in state sales taxes in 1991. During that same year, more than 2.5 million people spent almost $2 billion fishing in Florida's waters. Florida's sport fishing industry supported 58,000 jobs which resulted in more than $1 billion in earnings in 199 1. Commercial fishing is also an important industry in Florida. The dockside value of commercial fish and shellfish landed in ports such as Key West, Tampa Bay, and Fort Meyers, totaled almost $200 million in 1995.
Many of the commonly-fished marine recreational species, such as flounder, sea trout, and bluefish, depend upon estuarine wetlands. Juvenile flounder and sea trout seek refuge in the shallow waters of tidal creeks and wetlands, and depend on the rich detrital food chain of those areas. Human disturbance and destruction of estuarine habitats, including wetlands, is the primary threat to young fish of these important species. Adult bluefish feed on the small fish that inhabit coastal wetlands. Bluefish populations along the Atlantic coast have been in decline, and scientists believe that loss of wetland habitat is partly to blame. Florida's coastal wetlands have also been found to be intimately associated with sea grass beds, and the numerous recreational fish species (grouper, snappers, and others) that depend on those habitats. The most important commercial species, such as mackerel, menhaden, blue crab, and shrimp, are also very dependent on estuarine wetlands. This dependence is particularly strong for the commonly-fished species of shrimp, for which there is research showing that the productivity of shrimp fisheries is directly related to the amount of vegetated area in an estuary.
The economies of numerous Florida communities depend on recreational fishing. For example, towns along Indian River Lagoon (on the east coast of Florida), such as Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Coco Beach, and Jupiter, attract numerous saltwater sport fishermen year-round. The wetlands of Indian River Lagoon, impounded for many decades but now under restoration, help to make that areas sport fishing industry possible. Indian River Lagoon is part of the National Estuary Program. Millions of Federal, state, and local dollars have been spent in research, management, and restoration of its habitats so that saltwater sport fishing will continue to be a viable part of the state's economy. Apalachicola Bay (Florida panhandle) provides another example of an area where there is a strong recreational fishery that depends on wetlands, and where there are towns (Apalachicola, East Point) that depend on recreational fishing. The state has declared Apalachicola Bay a State Area of Special Concern. The local planning commissions are controlling development around the bay to conserve its wetland habitats and the fish that depend on them. As long as the bays wetlands are managed responsibly, the local communities will continue to gain revenues from the influx of anglers.
By the mid-1980's, Florida had lost approximately 46% of its estimated original wetlands acreage. The Clean Water Act and the state's wetland protection statute have slowed the state's wetland loss rate, but wetlands in coastal states such as Florida continue to be lost to development at a higher rate than is occurring in inland states, particularly in the southeast United States. Consistent, long-term protection for wetlands at the Federal, state, and local level is essential for protection of the fish habitats and fisheries that are so important to Florida's economy.
Alabama
The coastal wetlands of Mobile
Bay, Mississippi Sound and Perdido Bay provide the resource base for
Alabama's commercial and marine recreational fishing and tourism. The
dockside value of commercial fish landings in Alabama was almost $50
million in 1995. Recreational fisheries also play an important role
in the state's economy. In 1991, about 750,000 people spent more than
$493 million fishing in Alabama's waters, generating almost $20 million
in state sales tax, resulting in $300 million in earnings, and supporting
more than 16,000 jobs. Approximately 15% of the recreational fishing
occurs in coastal waters. Communities such as Bayou la Batre, Gulf Shores,
Fair hope, Montrose, Daphne, Plateau and Mobile, all depend upon fishing
to support their local economies.
The estuarine waters and wetlands of Alabama provide critical nursery areas for many species of fish and shellfish. It has been estimated that approximately 98% of the commercial fishery landings in the Gulf of Mexico are estuarine-dependent, i.e. dependent on estuaries for reproduction, nursery areas, food production, migrations or shelter. Shrimp, blue crab, and oyster, the most important commercial species in Alabama, all depend on estuarine wetlands for protection and food when they are juveniles. The relationship between a fishery and wetlands has been very effectively demonstrated for the shrimp fishery. Research has shown that the productivity of shrimp fisheries is directly related to the amount of vegetated area in an estuary. In other words, the more wetlands there are in an estuary, the more shrimp the estuary will produce. Unfortunately, the converse is also true. Shrimp landings account for about 80% of the value of Alabama commercial fisheries, which is why Alabama shrimp fishermen, facing declining harvests in some areas, have joined other Gulf of Mexico shrimpers in becoming supporters of efforts to conserve and restore coastal wetlands.
The coastal area around Alabama's major port, Mobile Bay, is under significant development pressure. By the mid-1980's, Alabama had lost approximately 50% of its wetlands. The Clean Water Act and the state's coastal zone management statute have proved to be effective in reducing wetland losses, but recent studies have determined that wetlands in coastal states such as Alabama are lost to development at a much higher rate than is occurring in inland states. The loss of wetlands in Alabama affects not only Alabamds fisheries, but also the fisheries of all of the Gulf of Mexico states, from Texas to Florida. The future of Alabamds wetlands, the fisheries that depend on them, and the communities that depend on the fishing industry, all hinge upon establishing a strong commitment for wetland conservation in Alabama.
Mississippi
The coastal wetlands of Mississippi Sound, St. Louis Bay, Biloxi Bay, Pascagoula Bay, and the tidal Pascagoula River provide the resource base for commercial and marine recreational fishing and tourism in Mississippi. The dockside value of commercial fish landings in Mississippi was almost $42 million in 1995. Recreational fisheries also play an important role in the state's economy. In 1991, 500,000 people spent more than $236 million fishing in Mississippi's waters, generating almost $14 million in state sales tax, resulting in $131 million in earnings, and supporting more than 8,000 jobs. Approximately one-quarter of the recreational fishing occurs in coastal waters. Communities such as Moss Point, Pascagoula, Gautier, Ocean Springs, Biloxi, Long Beach, Gulfport, Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis, all depend upon fishing to support their local economies.
Mississippi's coastal wetlands provide critical nursery areas for many species of fish and shellfish. Menhaden and shrimp, the most important commercial species, depend on estuarine wetlands for protection and food when they are juveniles. The relationship between a fishery and wetlands has been very effectively demonstrated for the shrimp fishery. Research has shown that the productivity of shrimp fisheries is directly related to the amount of vegetated area in an estuary. The more wetlands there are in an estuary, the more shrimp the estuary will produce. Shrimp landings account for more than half of the value of Mississippi commercial fisheries, which is why Mississippi shrimp fishermen, facing declining harvests in some areas, have joined other Gulf of Mexico shrimpers in becoming supporters of efforts to conserve and restore coastal wetlands. Another example of a fisheries dependence on wetlands is found in the menhaden fishery, whose total landings (Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico) have decreased by 26% in the last decade. Menhaden are dependent on wetlands for nursery habitat and the detrital food chain. The regional management plan for Gulf menhaden cites the loss of coastal wetlands as one of the principle threats to that fishery.
Mississippi's coastline is under significant development pressure. By the mid-1980's, Mississippi had lost approximately 59% of its wetlands. The Clean Water Act and the state's coastal wetlands protection statute have proved to be effective in reducing wetland losses, but recent studies have determined that wetlands in coastal states such as Mississippi are lost to development at a much higher rate than is occurring in inland states. The loss of wetlands in Mississippi affects not only Mississippi's fisheries, but also the fisheries of all of the Gulf of Mexico states, from Texas to Florida. Strong efforts for protection of the state's wetlands are needed to avoid additional wetland loss, which would adversely affect the fisheries that depend on those wetlands, and the communities that depend on the fishing industry.
Louisiana
Louisiana ranks second only to Alaska in total pounds of commercial fish and shellfish landed, accounting for approximately 20 percent of the nation's commercial landings. The dockside value of commercial fish landings in Louisiana exceeded $290 million in 1995. According to a 1991 study, Louisiana's commercial fishing industry creates 90,000 jobs in the state and has an economic impact of $1.5 billion. Recreational fisheries also play an important role in the state's economy. In 1991, approximately 900,000 people spent more than $600 million fishing in Louisiana's waters, generating almost $25 million in state sales tax, resulting in $330 million in earnings, and supporting more than 18,000 jobs. Approximately one-third of the recreational fishing occurs in coastal waters. Communities such as Cameron, Empire, Venice, Dulac, and Chauvin all depend upon fishing to support their local economies.
It has been estimated that approximately 98% of the commercial fishery landings in the Gulf of Mexico are estuarine-dependent, i.e., dependent on estuaries for reproduction, nursery areas, food production, or migrations. Considering the important role of wetlands in the estuaries of Louisiana, it is evident that Louisiana's coastal wetlands are essential for supporting the state's fishing industry. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent by Federal, state, and local agencies in the restoration of coastal wetlands in Louisiana. For these restoration efforts to be meaningful, they must be complemented by strong wet. land conservation.
The relationship between a fishery and wetlands has been very effectively demonstrated for the shrimp fishery. Research has shown that the productivity of shrimp fisheries is directly related to the amount of vegetated area in an estuary. In other words, more wetlands will produce more shrimp. Unfortunately, the converse is also true, which is why shrimp fishermen, facing declining harvests in some areas, have become some of the strongest supporters of efforts to conserve and restore coastal wetlands in Louisiana. Another example of a fisheries dependence on wetlands is found in the menhaden fishery, whose total landings (Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico) have decreased by 26% in the last decade. Menhaden are dependent on wetlands for nursery habitat and the detrital food chain. The regional management plan for Gulf menhaden cites the loss of coastal wetlands as one of the principle threats to that fishery.
Louisiana is losing wetlands at an estimated rate of between 16,000 and 22,000 acres a year. While much of that loss is related to forces (accelerated coastal erosion, natural and human-induced subsidence) beyond the control of wetland regulatory programs, some of it is related to development in coastal wetlands. As more people move to coastal areas in the United States, it becomes more and more important to make coastal planning decisions that take into account the long-term regional consequences of actions. The loss of wetlands in Louisiana affects not only Louisiana's fisheries, but also the fisheries of all of the Gulf of Mexico states, from Texas to Florida. The Clean Water Act, the state's Coastal Resources Management Act, and the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act have proven to be effective in reducing wetland losses. The future of Louisiana's wetlands, the fisheries that depend on them, and the communities that depend on the fishing industry, all depend upon continuing wetland conservation and restoration efforts in Louisiana.
Texas
Texas generally ranks in the top IO states nationally in terms of dollar value of commercial fish and shellfish landed. The dockside value of commercial fishery landings in Texas exceeded $198 million in 1995. Recreational fisheries also play an extremely important role in the state's economy. In 1991, more than 2.5 million people spent more than $1 billion fishing in Texas' waters, generating more than $72 million in state sales tax. About a third of the state's recreational fishing occurs in coastal waters. In 199 1, saltwater recreational fishing resulted in $200 million in earnings, and supported almost I 1,000 jobs in coastal areas. Communities such as Port Isabel, Aransas Pass, Palacious, and Freeport all depend on fishing to support their local economies.
It has been estimated that approximately 98% of the commercial fish and shellfish landed in the Gulf of Mexico, including Texas, are estuarine-dependent, i.e., dependent on estuaries for reproduction, nursery areas, food production, or migrations. Considering the important part wetlands play in the coastal estuaries of Texas, it is evident that Texas' wetlands are essential for supporting the state's fishing industry. The relationship between a fishery and wetlands has been very effectively demonstrated for the shrimp fishery, which is a major component of Texas fishery landings. Research has shown that the productivity of shrimp fisheries are directly related to the amount of vegetated area in an estuary. In other words, the more wetlands there are in an estuary, the more shrimp the estuary will produce. Unfortunately, the converse is also true, which is why Texas shrimp fishermen have joined other Gulf of Mexico shrimpers in becoming supporters of efforts to conserve and restore coastal wetlands. Another example of a fishery's dependence on wetlands is found in the menhaden fishery, whose total landings (Atlantic and Gulf) have decreased by 26% in the last decade. Menhaden are dependent on wetlands for nursery habitat, which is why the regional management plan for Gulf menhaden cites the loss of coastal wetlands as one of the principle threats to that fishery.
By the mid-1980's, Texas had already lost more than half of its estimated original wetland base. The Clean Water Act and the state's water quality program have resulted in a lessening of the state's wetland loss rate, but coastal states such as Texas are still losing wetlands to development more rapidly than is occurring in inland states, particularly in the southeast United States. As more and more people move to coastal areas, it becomes more and more important to make coastal planning decisions that take into account the long-term regional consequences of actions. For example, the loss of wetlands in Texas affects not only Texas' Fisheries, but also the fisheries of all of the Gulf of Mexico states. Controlling wetland loss is important for maintaining Texas' fisheries - an industry that contributes substantially to the state's economy - as well as the fisheries of the entire Gulf of Mexico.
References:
- American, Sportfishing Association- The 1991 Economic Impact of Sport Fishing in the United States ASA: 10pp.
- Brady, S.J. and Flather C. H., 1994. Changes in wetlands on nonfederal rural land of the conterminous United States from 1982 to 1987. Env. Manag. 18(5):693-705.
- Carteret County Economic Development Council Inc., 1992. Commercial fishing remains significant in county's economy. Economic Resources, 3(3).
- Chambers, J.R., 1992. Coastal degradation and fish population losses. In Stroud, ed. Stemming the Tide of Coastal Fish Habitat Loss. National Coalition for Marine Conservation, Inc.: 45-51.
- Dahl. TE., 1990. Wetlands Losses in the United States 1780 ‘s to 1980's. U.S. Dept. Interior:13pp.
- Heimlich, R. and Melanson, J, 1995. Wetlands lost, wetlands gained. National Wetlands Newsletter 17(3).
- Turner, R. E, 1992. Coastal wetlands and Penaeid shrimp habitat. In Stroud, ed. Stemming the Tide of Coastal Fish Habitat Loss. National Coalition for Marine Conservation, Inc.:97-104.
- U.S. Dept. Commerce, 1996. Fisheries of the United States, 1995. U.S. Govt. Printing Office.
- U.S. Dept. Interior and U.S. Dept. Commerce, 1993. 1991 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation {individual state name}. U.S. Govt. Printing Office
- US Dept. Commerce, 1995. Unpublished statistics. William M. Kier Associates, 1994 Fisheries, Wetlands, and jobs. Campaign to Save California Wetlands.- 24pp.
Authors:
Susan-Marie Stedman
Office of Habitat Conservation HQ
Silver Spring, MDJeanne Hanson
Protected Resources Management Division
Anchorage, AK