Coastal wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world. These wetlands at the land-ocean margin provide
many direct benefits to humans, including habitat for commercially important fisheries and wildlife; storm protection;
improved water quality through sediment, nutrient, and pollution removal; recreation; and aesthetic values. These valuable
ecosystems will be highly vulnerable to the effects of the rapid rise in sea level predicted to occur during the next century as
a result of global warming.