Figure 2.3: Wetland loss in Louisiana. The Louisiana coastline and the lower Mississippi River basin are vital to the nation’s interests. They are the end point for the vast Mississippi drainage basin and provide coastal wildlife habitats, recreational opportunities, and transportation lanes that connect the vast interior of the country to the ocean and to offshore oil and gas. Most important, the wetlands provide a buffer against damage from hurricanes. Unfortunately, Louisiana has lost one-quarter of its total wetlands over the last century, largely because of human activity. The remaining 3.67 million acres constitute 14 percent of the total wetland area in the lower 48 states.

[Source consulted: USGS/National Wetlands Research Center]