ENHANCEMENT & MANAGEMENT OF FRESHWATER W

The Laguna Madre in Tamaulipas hosts 36% of the continental population of Redhead duck, 6% of Piping Plover, and 20% of Reddish Egret, which use this coastal wetland for foraging and nesting. The birds find refuge and drinking water in the freshwater wetlands adjacent to the Laguna Madre.

The Laguna Madre Initiative of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan has determined that agriculture has been expanding on the plains adjacent to the Laguna Madre, drastically reducing the availability of freshwater wetlands.

This project will evaluate wetland productivity and habitat use by migratory bird species, seagrass biomass, and salinity.

It will enhance hydrological functions on 1,149 acres of freshwater wetlands adjacent to the Laguna Madre through the construction of water control structures and protect 18,575 acres through a 20-year conservation agreement.