Wetlands are areas saturated by surface or ground water, with vegetation adapted for life under those conditions. These areas include swamps, bogs, fens, marshes and estuaries. Wetlands are among the most biologically productive natural ecosystems in the world, providing shelter and food to diverse species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that up to 43% of threatened and endangered species rely directly or indirectly on wetlands for their survival. EPA works with local authorities and community groups to protect wetlands through integrated surface and ground-water protection programs. These programs focus on a variety of conservation and protection efforts, including flood control, water supply management, protection of fish and wildlife, control of stormwater, and nonpoint source pollution.

Recommended EPA Web pages

• Wetlands
  The EPA Wetlands Division home page, containing links to wetlands information.
• Wetlands Fact Sheets
  Links to a series of factsheets about wetlands protection, restoration, conservation, regulation, etc.
• America's Wetlands: Our Vital Link Between Land and Water
  This site will give you a better understanding of the rich variety of wetlands.

Aquatic Ecosystems
Aquaculture, Coral Reefs, Estuaries, Freshwater Ecosystems, Lakes, Marine Ecosystems, Oceans, Shellfish Protection

Ecological Monitoring
Ecological Assessment, Environmental Indicators

Ecological Restoration

Landscape Ecology

Mines
Abandoned Mine

Soils
Erosion, Leaching

Species
Endangered Species, Exotic Species

Terrestrial Ecosystems
Wetlands, Coasts, Forests, Urban Ecosystems, Watersheds