Why is NOAA Fisheries Involved?
Within CWPPRA, the Department of Commerce (DOC) is identified as a member of the CWPPRA Task Force. NOAA Fisheries, which has regional field staff and responsibilities for protecting, conserving and restoring coastal habitats, represents the DOC on the Task Force. The primary goal of NOAA Fisheries is to sustain, protect and rebuild our nation’s living oceans. Healthy coastal wetlands in Louisiana are essential for achieving this goal. NOAA Fisheries approaches its CWPPRA projects with dual objectives: to stem the loss of coastal wetlands, and to increase fisheries habitat. Wetlands protect us from storms, enrich our culture, sustain our economy and nurture our fishery resources. NOAA Fisheries is keenly aware of the value of wetlands and their vital link to fisheries. Louisiana ranks second only to Alaska in total pounds of commercial fish and shellfish landed, accounting for roughly 75 percent of the Gulf of Mexico landings, about 28 percent of the total volume of U.S. fisheries with
