Ensure adequate protection and restoration of Maryland's wetland resources.
Wetlands provide a variety of environmental benefits including enhancement of water quality.
Tidal wetlands account for 252,280 acres, and nontidal wetlands account for 346,142 acres, including riverine and lacustrine wetlands. At present, an average increase of 9 acres of tidal wetlands and 20 acres of nontidal wetlands are being realized annually through regulatory programs. An average annual increase of 85 acres of nontidal wetlands is attributed to non-regulatory programs. Wetland losses are resulting from sea level rise, shoreline erosion, and land development activities. Over the course of Maryland's post-colonial history, it is estimated that some 300,000 acres of wetlands have been lost.