Oil and gas pipelines built on wetlands could increase open water 

 areas, destroy emergent vegetation, increase sedimentation and tur- 

 bidity, and cause serious concern for the disposition of the spoil. 



Water may be polluted by dredge and fill practices, offshore con- 

 struction of platforms, and discharges of clays and drilling liquids 

 and wastes during drilling. 



GENERAL RESOURCE CHARACTERISTICS 



COASTAL ESTUARIES AND WETLANDS 



Southwest Florida's rich natural resources provide a wide spectrum of 

 environmental, economic, and social benefits. Its bays, estuaries, wetlands, 

 and beaches are subject to intense residential, industrial, and recreational 

 developments that usually are associated with rapid increases in population. 

 Considering these developments, particular attention must be given to natural 

 systems, freshwater recharge, optimal water quality, coastal integrity, and 

 biological productivity. 



The coastal wetlands of Southwest Florida have many socioeconomic values. 

 The major ones are listed below. 



1. Coastal wetlands provide a buffer against storm sturge and flood 

 damage by dissipating wave energy and storing flood waters. Barrier 

 islands also serve as natural buffers, protecting mainland areas 

 from the full force of storms. 



2. Wetlands function as natural water filters, serving to maintain wa- 

 ter quality and to reduce adverse effects of urban and agricultural 

 runoff. They are particularly efficient in absorbing and filtering 

 out sediments, particulates, nutrients, and organic materials. 



3. Coastal estuaries, fed by freshwater rivers, provide productive 

 natural habitats, breeding and nursery grounds, cover, and food 

 supplies for a vast array of fish and wildlife. 



4. Coastal estuaries and contributing rivers are essential for sus- 

 taining Southwest Florida's highly valued commercial and sport 

 fisheries. According to recent studies, about 80% of the income 

 from Florida's Gulf of Mexico fisheries is from estuarine dependent 

 species; consequently, maintaining wetlands, estuaries, and near- 

 shore waters is of high priority. 



5. Coastal wetlands serve as a reservoir to store water, to recharge 

 groundwater aquifers, and to provide hydrostatic head that protects 

 groundwater supplies from saltwater intrusion. 



RECREATION, TOURISM, AND INDUSTRY 



The recreational value of Southwest Florida is of considerable economic 

 and social importance. Tourism is the leading industry in Florida, and the 



224 



