Enhancing Integrity and Functionality of Ecosystems
Protecting Wildlife
The National Wildlife Federation’s coastal resilience strategy will ensure and enhance the ecological integrity and functionality of coastal and inland ecosystems that provide food sources and breeding grounds for fish and birds.
Benefits
• Connecting and restoring wildlife habitat: Coastal waters and wetlands provide breeding habitat for 85% of U.S. migratory birds. Migratory shorebirds that utilize the Atlantic Flyway, for example, are completely dependent on these coastal stopover sites for food and rest.
They also provide critical habitat to a huge number of species including rare and Federal Trust species like the roseate tern, saltmarsh sparrow, and piping plovers.
• Support for fishing: Coastal waters and wetlands are also critical “nurseries” for many fish species, such as Striped Bass providing recreational anglers some of the best fishing opportunities in the country. Coastal habitats also support 75% of commercially important fish stocks, which helps local economies.
