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Geographic Perspectives - Pacific Basin

Hawaiian Moorhen Kealia East Pond in Maui, Hawaii.
Image: USFWS (Public Domain)

Wetlands, the transition zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, are characteristically saturated with or covered by water, at least periodically, and soil development and plant and animal communities are determined by water ( (External) Cowardin et al. 1979 ). Natural wetland habitats include marshes, swamps, and bogs. Anthropogenic (man-made) wetlands include taro patches, prawn ponds, some fishponds, and other irrigated croplands. (Charles P. Stone)

In their natural condition, wetlands supply numerous ecological, economic, and cultural benefits to local communities -- including water quality protection, flood control, erosion control, fish and wildlife habitat, aquatic productivity, and unique opportunities for education and recreation. (Text courtesy of (External) catskillcenter.org )

Read more about (External) "Hawaii's Wetlands, Streams, Fishponds and Pools" (PDF 5.6MB) in (External) this article by Charles P. Stone, from the book, (External) Conservation Biology in Hawaii.

See the (External) "List of Hawaii's Wetlands" (PDF 1MB) from the appendix of (External) "Wetlands and Wetland Vegetation of Hawaii" by Elliot & Hall, 1977.

Featured Resources

Hawaii Wetland Joint Venture
(External)

Hawaii Wetland Joint Venture

The HWJV mission is to protect, restore, increase and enhance all types of wetlands, riparian habitat and associated uplands throughout the Hawaiian Islands through partnerships for the benefit of birds, other wildlife, people and the Hawaiian culture.
Learn more about (External) HWJV

Pacific Coast Joint Venture
(External)

Pacific Coast Joint Venture

The PCJV works to protect and restore coastal wetland ecosystems to benefit birds, fish and other wildlife in the coastal areas of Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Northern California and Hawaii.
Learn more about (External) PCJV

USFWS NWI
(External)

USFWS National Wetlands Inventory

The US Fish & Wildlife Service produces geospatial information on the characteristics, extent, and status of the Nation's wetlands and deepwater habitats.
Visit the (External) USFWS NWI website

Science.gov Logo        (External)

USGS Logo        (External)

USAgov Logo

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