Renewable Resources at Stake: Barataria-Terrebonne Estuarine System in Southeast Louisiana.

The Barataria-Terrehonne Estuarine System (BTES) in southeast Louisiana is one of the most vulnerable areas to coastal land loss in the United States. Comprising more than four million acres of wetlands, bayous. hays, and barrier shorelines, about 682 species of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians plus numerous species of invertebrates, including shrimp, oysters, and crabs, live or visit the BTES. It has the highest land loss rate and some of the most rapidly eroding barrier islands in the United States. Annual wetland loss rates ranged from 18 to 22 mi'²/y in the last 50 years in the BTES, representing at least one-half of the land loss in the entire state. The wetlands and shallow estuarine waters of the BTES are extremely productive, supporting diverse recreational opportunities and one of the largest commercial fishing industries in the country. These industries, with a large share coming from the BTES, generate more than $2 billion annually in fish and wildlife-associated activities, making the BTES a critical component of Louisiana's and the nation's economy. Unfortunately, Louisiana's wetlands are deteriorating rapidly, severely threatening the sustainability of the entire system and the assets of its renewable resources. As the barrier islands and wetlands of the BTES degrade and are lost, important habitat for renewable resources that support these industries will be gone. To preserve and protect these resources, restoration of wetlands and barrier shorelines is essential. Although the BTEB is only one piece of coastal Louisiana that is at stake, this paper focuses on the area to illustrate the richness of Louisiana's renewable resources and coastal environments, and the challenges that all coastal communities will face in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]