Why are coastal areas ecologically important?
Coastal habitats provide a wide range of goods and services. Coastal wetlands provide us with flood control and water filtration. Barrier islands protect the coasts from storms. Coastal ecosystems supply us with ample fisheries for recreational and commercial use. The health of our coastal ecosystems is inexplicably linked to the health of other ecosystems as well. An ecologically healthy coastal area – biologically diverse and relatively free of pollution – not only provides a host of goods and services to our natural environment, but makes it a more attractive tourism destination. Coastal tourism is not just recreation; it is also an industry upon which many coastal communities depend economically.
