The Galveston Bay system has lost more than 32,000 acres of vegetated coastal wetlands since 1956. Wetlands provide food and habitat for fish and wildlife, as well as contribute to floodwater retention and water quality improvements. The decline of biologically productive wetlands directly threatens the health of the Galveston Bay ecosystem. Rice fields are seasonally-flooded impoundments that can contribute fresh water wetland functions to the Bay system. These functions include forage and roosting habitat for resident, wintering and migrating shorebirds and waterfowl, as well as water purification capabilities.
Waterfowl benefit the rice fields by eating weed seeds and young shoots.
Rice is the oldest and most cultivated grain in the world, and one of America's most important agricultural enterprises. The U.S. is a leading exporter of rice, yet it comprises only 2 per cent of the world's rice acreage. U.S. rice producers export to more than 100 countries, while supplying virtually all of the rice consumed in U.S. homes. The Texas rice industry has been declining since the mid- 1980's, largely due to high production costs. Locally, rice is cultivated on more than 70,000 acres in Brazoria, Harris, Chambers and Galveston Counties.