Status and Trends of Inland Wetland and Aquatic Habitats of the Freeport and San Antonio Bay Areas

Summary

This project will continue the coast-wide study of wetlands in inland environments of the Texas coast. Inland wetland status and trends data are needed for mitigation/restoration projects and are of special concern in the context of river deltas and interior palustrine (SWANCC) wetlands. Coastal wetlands are essential natural resources that are highly productive biologically and chemically and are part of an ecosystem on which a variety of flora and fauna depend. Scientific investigations to determine status and trends of wetlands will greatly assist in their protection and preservation, and directly benefit long term productivity and public use. The results of this study will address tow critical issues: 1) The status of coastal wetlands, their extent and location, and wetland trends, and 2) The probable cause for rates and locations of change in wetlands.