What happens if we lose our coast?
- In Q and A
For those of us who live here, losing the coast also means losing our homes. Restoring our coastal wetlands is truly protecting the people and wildlife of Louisiana and all of the important culture and commerce that we provide the nation.
Hurricane Katrina clearly showed that levees alone are not enough to protect our communities from hurricanes and storm surges. Losing our coast means losing what the Gulf provides.
No coast, no coffee - the port system of southern Louisiana is the nation’s largest coffee importer.
No coast, no seafood - the coast is the cradle of nearly one quarter of the total commercial fish and shellfish harvest of the lower 48 states.
No coast, no energy - the coastal wetlands protect the oil and gas infrastructure that provides nearly a third of our country’s fuel.
No coast, no wildlife - the coast is a major flyway for migratory birds, used by up to 40% of North America’s duck, geese, swan and eagle populations. The wetlands support a stunning diversity of wildlife.
No coast, no culture - second lines in New Orleans, crawfish boils, jazz, Voodoo Experience, Mardi Gras, Fats Domino, Jazzfest, zydeco . . . southern Louisiana has fostered unique and amazing cultures.
For those of us who live here, losing the coast also means losing our homes. Restoring our coastal wetlands is truly protecting the people and wildlife of Louisiana and all of the important culture and commerce that we provide the nation.
