Food - Wetland soils are nutrient-rich, full of organic material, and generally less prone to erosion than other soils. They tend to be highly productive. Drained wetland soils in the U.S., taken as a whole, produce more than 25% of all major crops, a monetary value of roughly $9 billion.

Commercially Important Fish, Bird, and Animal Populations - Trapping fur-bearing animals for their pelts, harvesting fish and shellfish for food, and recreational fishing and hunting are all activities that depend heavily on wetland habitats and contribute tremendous economic benefits to the global economy. Alligator, muskrat, mink, and nutria skins and furs amounted to a $1 billion American crop in 1980. In 1988 commercial fishing added $1.7 billion to the U.S. gross national product.

Fuel - For centuries, peat has been harvested, dried, and burned. In areas without fossil fuels or extensive forests, peat is the most viable local energy source. Worldwide, minable peat reserves have been estimated at 1 billion acres.

Timber and Fiber Harvest - Prolific growth rates and dense stands of vegetation make wetlands attractive area for wood and fiber industries. Although draining and clear-cutting have been the wetland timber-cutting norm until recently, more advanced timber and logging practices like selective cutting and vigorous replanting have now been initiated in some areas, with good results. Mangrove swamps in tropical and subtropical regions have been heavily cut at a pace that cannot be sustained. In the Philippines nearly 50% of all mangrove areas were cut between 1967 and 1976.

Recreation, Aesthetics, and Education - It was estimated that 107 million people took advantage of wetland-related recreational activities in 1885. In that year hunting, fishing, and nonconsumptive wildlife-related activities were valued at $55 billion. That aside, wetlands serve as biological laboratories and educational field stations with the potential to handle thousands of students learning lessons in natural history, cultural heritage, and other disciplines.

Physical/Hydrological Functions

Chemical Functions

Biological Functions

Socioeconomic Functions/Benefits