What’s at Stake — Why Coastal Louisiana Matters

Coastal Louisiana is an economic engine that feeds and fuels the nation, and its ports connect the U.S. with the world. Large-scale restoration of coastal Louisiana presents a huge opportunity to protect existing infrastructure and industry of national importance. It also provides an opportunity to grow a restoration economy that can be a model for other coastal communities around the world.

A snapshot of coastal Louisiana’s economic importance:

The water management sector — which includes coastal restoration, coastal protection and urban water management — is the #1 driver of jobs in southeast Louisiana and #2 across the entire coastal zone.

The state of Louisiana supports the U.S. economy by providing: $9.3 billion per year in tourism; nearly 30 percent of the commercial fishing landings of the continental United States; $1.8 billion annual impact from recreational fishing; five of the nation’s 15 largest shipping ports by cargo volume, handling a fifth of all waterborne commerce in the United States; more crude oil production than any other single state.

A closer look at coastal Louisiana’s economic importance:

Shipping Ports like Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and New Orleans link the Mississippi River and the American Midwest with the rest of the world. […]

Full article: What’s at Stake

h2oIQ editor’s note: see the related interactive map of Louisiana flood zones.

More about restoration work:

Seabirds Return to Desecheo Island One Year After Restoration

River Revives After Largest Dam Removal in USA History

Meet the visionary who restored 5,500 acres of wrecked Texas land to paradise

Rewilding Santa Monica’s Thoroughly Artificial Beach

Restoration Solutions

Oyster Reefs of the Past Hold Lessons for Future Coastal Restoration