Vanishing Paradise

The Threat

Since the 1930s, more than 2,300 square miles of Louisana’s vital marshlands have disappeared. Every 30 minutes, another area of coastland the size of a football field disappears.

Why Should I Care?

The consequences will be seen most especially by hunters up and down the flyways. Louisiana’s coastal marshes hosts up to 20% of the nation’s wintering waterfowl. Coastal Louisiana is also host to some of the best finfishing in the Gulf. As we lose the wetlands, we lose the fisheries that support recreational fishing.

What is Causing this Loss?

The simple response is that humans have changed the landscape over the years: (see video too)

  • Levees built for flood control on the Mississippi River no longer spread the nutrient rich sediment to build and sustain the wetlands. (The sediment now funnels straight into the Gulf of Mexico).
  • Channels dug for navigation and oil and gas extraction have allowed salt water to destroy huge cypress forests and vast areas of freshwater marsh.
  • Dams built upstream have drastically reduced the amount of sediment that comes down the river.

Can Anything Be Done?

Yes, a conservation plan for the Louisiana coast is two-fold. With your help we can ensure that sound policies and partnerships are in place to support wetland habitats in the region. Second, we must continue to conserve and restore coastal marshes.

How Can I Help?

Tell Congress that restoration of Coastal Louisiana wetlands should be a conservation priority. Visit our Take Action page now for current opportunities.  Also, subscribe to updates or find us on Facebook to stay updated on opportunities to influence policies that can make a difference to ducks and fisheries in Coastal Louisiana.

Tell Me More about Your Conservation Plan

  • Restore the surrounding wetlands damaged by the large shipping channel, the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet.
  • Reconnect the river to the wetlands by using fresh water and sediment in the Lower Mississippi River to replace rapidly subsiding coastal wetlands.
  • Manage water and sediment from the Atchafalaya River to enhance inland swamps and coast marshes.
  • Continue to protect this vital habitat for future generations of sportsmen.

YES, I WANT TO GET INVOLVED!>>