Do you understand the economic and social benefits of protecting wetlands?

Wetlands are very important to our quality of life. They prevent flooding, replenish our aquifers, purify our pollution, provide the breeding grounds for our major fisheries, are the most biologically active areas of our oceans, and they provide recreational opportunities for millions of humans who fish, swim, hunt, sail, etc. We've made progress in preserving large wetlands from further loss, but now we're losing them in dribs and drabs, a road needs to be enlarged here, a condo with a water view is being built there, and all of a sudden the wetlands are gone permanently. The public has an interest in preserving its drinking water, having affordable and safe seafood, protecting itself from floods, and saving habitat for wildlife. Shrimp fishermen need jobs just as much as cattle ranchers. Salmon fishermen need jobs just as much as loggers.