48 



fish and invertebrates. 



In several estuaries, the Service and its partners have restored 

 the natural flow of water, either freshwater or tidal brackish 

 water, to increase the productivity and habitat quality of 

 coastal wetlands. The Coastal Ecosystems Program has also 

 expanded riparian (streamside) habitats, reducing sediment, 

 nutrient, and pesticide loads to the water, while at the same 

 time providing needed habitat for neotropical migratory birds and 

 other wildlife. 



The Service is beginning to implement a holistic approach to 

 restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystems. This approach 

 requires a coordinated effort to address water quality, habitat 

 degradation, aquatic nuisance species, and fishing mortality. 

 Given the size of the Great Lakes watershed, restoration 

 activities will, by necessity, range from habitat restoration at 

 the local scale, to lake trout restoration on the basin-wide 

 scale. 



The Service looks forward to applying our experience and 

 knowledge in carrying out the mandates of an amended H.R. 4481. 

 However, the Administration's ability to carry out the mandates 

 of H.R. 4481 will be subject to the availability of 

 appropriations. No funds have been requested in the FY 1995 

 budget for the tasks outlined in the legislation, and our 



10 



