Many wetland types are limited in extent, and only certain wetland types are of value to living marine resources. For example, while there are approximately 43,000 miles of shoreline within the state's coastal zone management districts, coastal salt marshes comprise only 360,000 acres, and seasonally flooded forested wetlands on stream and river flood plains comprise only 204,000 acres. These coastal and riverine wetlands are critical to the life cycles of many marine and anadromous species that mature and are harvested offshore, such as salmon, herring, pollack, and sole. Continuing strong protection of these wetlands is essential to maintaining the health of Alaska's commercial and recreational fisheries. Hawaii Recreational fishing is an integral part of Hawaii's economy.
Commercial fishing is also a growing part of the state's economy.
It has been estimated that Hawaii at one time contained an estimated 59,000 acres of wetlands. It is difficult to quantify the exact effect of the loss or degradation of Hawaii's wetlands on local fisheries. However, several of the species that are estuarine-dependent are important to the economy of Hawaii. One of the greatest benefits of Hawaii's wetlands is to protect and maintain water quality in other near-shore habitats. This is particularly true for coral reefs occurring seaward of coastal wetlands.