What is a Wetland?
Wetlands are low-lying areas that are saturated with water for at least part or all of the year. Wetlands are home to a diversity of plant and animal life that are uniquely adapted to these conditions.
The Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands are among the most productive and valuable ecosystems on Earth. They provide critical benefits for waterfowl, wildlife, and people, making their conservation a priority. Wetlands are essential for ducks, wildlife, people and a sustainable future.
For Waterfowl, Fish and Wildlife
Wetlands serve as essential habitats for a wide range of species, including waterfowl, fish, and various other wildlife. They are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting plant and animal communities across our planet.
The interconnectedness of wetlands and the diverse array of species they support highlight the importance of conserving and protecting these ecosystems. Conserving wetlands is essential for maintaining ecological balance and supporting wildlife populations. Here are some of the types of wildlife that benefit from wetlands:
Wetlands are especially important for ducks, geese and swans. They provide essential habitat for the survival and growth of waterfowl throughout their migration cycle. Wetlands support pairs during breeding and nesting and are critical for raising young. Waterfowl also rely on wetlands for cover during harsh conditions and as a source of diverse foods, including seeds, aquatic vegetation, invertebrates, and small fish.
Wetlands support abundant populations of fish, ranging from freshwater bass and trout to saltwater salmon and redfish. They serve as vital spawning grounds, nursery areas, and feeding grounds. Wetlands provide sheltered environments with ample food sources, contributing to the growth and reproduction of various fish species. Additionally, wetlands help regulate water flow and temperature, creating suitable conditions for fish to thrive.
Wetlands play a crucial role as stopover points and wintering grounds for shorebirds during migration. Species such as sandpipers, plovers, and egrets rely on wetlands for feeding, resting, and nesting. Wetlands offer rich feeding grounds with abundant food resources, including insects, crustaceans, and small fish, supporting the energy needs of migrating shorebirds. Additionally, wetlands may provide safety from predators and adverse weather conditions during migration.
Wetlands support a diverse array of wildlife besides ducks, fish, and shorebirds. Invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks thrive in wetlands, serving as crucial food sources for various animals. Wetlands are one of the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, with 40 percent of all plant and animal species living or breeding in wetlands. Threatened and endangered species are no exception, with approximately half of all Endangered Species Act species in the United States being wetland dependent.
For People
Wetlands offer valuable benefits to humans as well. They provide recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, and bird watching, enriching our lives with outdoor activities.
Wetlands are popular destinations for waterfowl hunters. The diverse resources provided by wetlands attract and support 43 species of ducks and geese in North America, providing hunters with abundant opportunities to pursue these economically and ecologically important game species.
Wetlands support rich aquatic biodiversity, making them ideal locations for fishing. Anglers can cast their lines in wetlands and associated waters to catch a variety of fish species, including bass, trout and others, contributing to enjoyable recreational experiences.
Wetlands are ecological hotspots for birders, offering opportunities to observe an array of species. From majestic waterfowl to elusive marshbirds, wetlands provide unparalleled opportunities for viewing and photographing a multitude of birds.
Wetlands provide serene settings for kayaking and canoeing adventures. Paddlers can navigate through winding waterways, exploring the tranquil beauty of wetland ecosystems while immersing themselves in nature. The peaceful surroundings and abundant wildlife enhance the experience, making kayaking and canoeing in wetlands a popular recreational activity for outdoor enthusiasts.
For Sustainability
Wetlands play a significant role in promoting sustainability. They act as natural carbon sinks, aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, they enhance water quality, offer flood protection, and help prevent coastal erosion, contributing to the overall resilience of ecosystems and human communities.
Wetlands are indispensable ecosystems that offer a myriad of benefits crucial for both environmental sustainability and human well-being. Here are a few ways wetlands promote sustainability:
Taking care of water supplies means protecting quantity, quality and the source. Wetlands provide clean and abundant water supplies for drinking, recreation and industry, while also providing numerous benefits that positively impact wildlife, people, and communities. Wetland plants, soils and microorganisms remove sediment, fertilizer and other contaminants, improving the water’s quality before it enters lakes, rivers and groundwater reserves.
Wetlands act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis. This helps mitigate climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Wetlands and forests can store carbon within their soil and vegetation, reducing the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing water from heavy rainfall and reducing downstream flooding. Wetlands hold water and release it slowly, recharging streams and groundwater which improves the reliability of water resources.
Wetlands provide critical protection against coastal erosion by acting as a buffer zone between land and water. The dense root systems of wetland plants stabilize soil and prevent it from being washed away by waves and currents. This helps maintain the integrity of coastlines, preserves valuable land, and protects coastal communities from the impacts of erosion and sea-level rise.
Biodiversity is what makes our ecosystems productive and healthy. Wetlands provide life-sustaining habitat for a wide diversity of species, including at least a third of the nation’s threatened and endangered species and more than 900 North American plant and animal species. Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to environmental changes and disturbances, such as climate change, invasive species and habitat destruction.
Types of Wetlands
Wetlands are diverse ecosystems categorized primarily based on soils, water source and the types of vegetation they support. They fall into two main categories: coastal wetlands and inland wetlands, each with its unique subtypes. Coastal wetlands include tidal salt and brackish marshes, tidal freshwater marshes and mangroves. Inland wetlands include freshwater swamps, peatlands, freshwater marshes and riparian systems.
Coastal Wetlands
Tidal Salt Marshes
Coastal wetlands regularly flooded by tides, characterized by salt-tolerant grasses and plants.
Tidal Freshwater Marshes
Coastal wetlands influenced by tides but with freshwater conditions, supporting diverse plant species not tolerant of salt exposure.
Mangroves
Coastal wetlands dominated by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs, with complex root systems, found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Inland Wetlands
Freshwater Swamps
Freshwater wetlands characterized by standing or slow-moving water with vegetation dominated by shrubs or trees, such as cypress or oak species.
Peatlands
Wetlands with waterlogged conditions leading to the accumulation of peat (partially decayed organic matter), including bogs and fens.
Freshwater Marshes
Inland wetlands characterized by standing or slow-moving freshwater and dominated by emergent plants. Examples include prairie potholes, rice fields and moist-soil units.
Riparian Systems
Wetlands adjacent to rivers and streams, characterized by periodic flooding and diverse plant communities adapted to variable moisture conditions.
Wetlands are Disappearing
Wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Did you know that over the past century, the United States has lost more than 50% of its original wetlands?
According to the recent 2009-2019 Wetlands Status and Trends national report, the annual rate of wetland loss in the U.S. has increased by more than 50% over the past decade.
Wetland Conservation
By supporting Ducks Unlimited, you will make a difference in protecting and restoring these crucial ecosystems. Ducks Unlimited and its partners have conserved more than 19 million acres of wetlands and associated waterfowl habitats—a tangible impact that demonstrates the power of collective action in safeguarding our planet's biodiversity. Join DU to help conserve our wetlands for future generations.
Support Wetlands
