FISH NEED WETLANDS TOO!
Estuary and Wetland Dependent Fish of the Pacific Northwest
The fish reviewed in this document are all Pacific Northwest
species which depend on estuaries*, wetlands, or shallow near-shore
waters (which have wetland and estuary influence) for survival
during at least a portion of their lives. Most often, these areas
are the nursery grounds for young fish. The young benefit from
the naturally high food concentrations in these areas and the
shelter the vegetation and shallows provide. Some salmon for
example, use stream-side wetlands for food and protection when
very young, move to the estuaries with their fringing marshes
for weeks or months as they grow and adapt to the salt water environment
before migrating out to sea. When they return from sea as adults,
the salmon will once again pause in the estuaries for a period
to feed before heading upstream to spawn. Other fish species
utilize wetlands and estuaries for years at a time, while still
others depend on these areas or the associated near-shore ocean
areas for their whole life.
It is estimated that at least half of the original wetlands in
Oregon and Washington and about 90% of California's wetlands have
already been lost to diking, filling, and development. Pollution,
development, dredging, and the diversion of fresh water before
it can reach the estuaries (for municipal, agricultural, and industrial
use) can further degrade or destroy some of the remaining wetland
and estuarine habitat.
The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission believes that
public education about the value of wetlands and estuaries is
critical if we are to stop the destruction of these habitats and
encourage their restoration. While many people are aware that
wetlands are important to herons, ducks, and frogs, few realize
their importance to the fish they know or the seafood they eat.
The following summaries of the habitat needs of familiar fish
species, many of which are fished commercially or recreationally,
have been prepared to increase that awareness.
As you look around your home and community, we encourage you
to be aware of actions harmful to the wetlands, estuaries, streams,
and other habitats important to fish and to become involved in
education, protection, and restoration efforts. We all can play
an invaluable role by helping to increase awareness about these
habitats and we urge you to pass this information on to others
or your library when done with it.
For further information please see the reference section.
* "Estuary" is the term given to the area at the end
of a river where its fresh water mingles with the salt water of
the sea. Also called harbors and bays, these areas nurture a
rich and diverse array of plants an animals, including the fish
in this review.
F.I.S.H. Habitat Education Program
45 S.E. 82nd Drive, Suite 100
Gladstone, OR 970270-2522
Phone: (503)650-5400 Fax: (503)650-5426
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Revised 3/10/97
