The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration invested a large amount of money toward Louisiana wetlands to help Louisiana’s fishing industry.
Two NOAA-sponsored habitat restoration projects in Louisiana have been approved for $53.5 million in funding in 2022 by the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) Program.
“Funding will support two projects that will restore 1,100 acres of wetland habitat, supporting coastal communities and sustainable fisheries,” NOAA wrote in a release.
These wetlands are the shields against the strength of wind, waves and flooding.
These projects will restore approximately 1,100 acres of wetland habitat.
Coastal wetlands protect infrastructure during hurricanes and storms.
Wetlands also provide habitat for fish and shellfish, which support a statewide seafood industry valued at nearly $1 billion per year.
CWPPRA started in 1990. It helped run 210 coastal restoration or protection projects.
Recently, Southwest Louisiana residents voiced their concerns because of the lack of coastal protection projects.
“We can do better; we need to do better,” Laurie Cormier, assistant planner and coastal zone manager for the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, said to the American Press. “The Chenier Plain is worth saving. We just need to do a better job of getting projects on the ground here in Southwest Louisiana.”
