Wetlands: Biological Productivity
Like tropical rain forests and coral reefs, wetlands are some of the most biologically productive natural ecosystems in the world with the diversity of species they support. Shallow water and abundant vegetation provide homes for fish and wildlife.
Aquatic plant life is supported by the nutrient-rich environment. The food chain from energy converted by plants is passed along and up to fish, waterfowl and other wildlife.
Did you know? (Facts below are quoted from an EPA fact sheet on the “Functions and Values of Wetlands”)
- In 1991 wetland-related ecotourism activities such as hunting, fishing, bird-watching and photography added approximately $59 billion to the national economy.
- An acre of wetland can store 1 - 1.5 million gallons of floodwater.
- Up to one-half of North American bird species nest or feed in wetlands.
- Although wetlands keep only about 5 percent of the land surface in conterminous United States, they are home to 31 percent of our plant species.
These are just more reasons to remember on why we need to preserve our wetland, Celery Pond. The wetland, once known to more people, and made available with public access, could become an ecotourist destination in South Haven. If the wetland is turned into a preserve, Celery Pond could be a boost to the local economy according to proven statistics as those above.
