CRS-5 



constraints. The payoff for increments of additional research is never cer- 

 tain, and in the case of wetlands research, even if such a program reached its 

 goals, the payoff would be modest, these persons contend. Research results 

 have helped solve practical problems occassionally , but often they just lead 

 to further research and answers to obscure questions of interest to the scien- 

 tific community alone. 



One possible result of additional research data would be a growing justi- 

 fication for wetland acquisition. Increased knowledge and growing efforts to 

 protect areas, typically by acquisition, seem reinforcing, whether the topic is 

 wetlands or farmland or beaches. Additional acquisition, which might be stimu- 

 lated by additional research on a large scale, is not needed, nor does it appear 

 that the Nation can afford it at this time. In a few cases, wetland acquisi- 

 tion may be appropriate, but in most circumstances, other forms of protection, 

 even those that allow some modification, are more appropriate. Wetlands already 

 receive substantial recognition for their special values, which have been iden- 

 tified in completed research programs. 



Issue 2 



In conducting research activities, should emphasis be given to studying 

 freshwater wetland resources? Some persons take the position that freshwater 

 wetlands are more diverse, yet our knowledge of these resource systems is more 

 limited than is knowledge of coastal wetlands. Hence, special research atten- 

 tion should be paid to scientific studies of freshwater areas. Others respond 

 that the functions and values of most freshwater wetlands are reasonably well 

 understood today, so that there is little reason to emphasize research on one 

 wetlands type over another. 



