Coastal ecosystems are highly dynamic, diverse areas of enormous ecological significance.
They contain some of the nation' s most productive wildlife habitats, support valuable fisheries, and provide recreation for millions of people. With proper stewardship, these areas should continue to meet many differing human demands without compromising ecological integrity or biological diversity. But some living resources of our coastal areas are showing signs of stress. One indicator of the problems facing coastal ecosystems is the fact that almost half of the nation's endangered and threatened species are found there. Conserving coastal resources for the enjoyment of future generations has become one of the Fish and Wildlife Service's highest priorities.