Estuaries Week 2025: Senate Resolution Highlights $511 Billion Economic Impact of Coastal Ecosystems

This resolution is straightforward: it officially expresses support for designating the week of September 20 through September 27, 2025, as "National Estuaries Week." While it’s just a resolution—meaning it doesn't change any laws or appropriate new money—it’s a big, loud statement from the Senate about how crucial these coastal areas are, and it backs up that statement with some seriously impressive numbers.

Where the River Meets the Bank Account

If you think estuaries are just pretty places for birds, think again. This resolution lays out the economic reality: the economy tied to oceans, estuaries, and the Great Lakes is a massive engine, contributing a jaw-dropping $511 billion to the GDP in 2023 and adding 111,000 jobs. That’s faster growth than the national average. For the commercial fisher or the recreational angler, this is a clear nod to their industry. Estuaries act as nurseries, supporting over 68% of the commercial fish catch by value and 80% of the recreational catch by weight. This is the government recognizing that protecting these ecosystems is fundamentally good business.

Free Services: Flood Control and Water Filters

Beyond the jobs and fishing industries, estuaries provide essential, free services that save taxpayers serious money. They filter water—restored wetlands can remove up to 80% of nitrogen from runoff—and they are our natural storm barriers. The resolution cites real-world examples: mangrove ecosystems in Florida prevented $1.5 billion in flood damage during Hurricane Maria, and coastal wetlands saved $625 million in property damage during Hurricane Sandy. For anyone who owns property near the coast or pays for municipal water treatment, this is a reminder that nature is often the cheapest and most effective infrastructure we have.

Affirming Existing Commitments

This resolution isn’t starting from scratch; it affirms support for the existing legal framework that manages these resources, including Section 320 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. It also notes that habitat restoration is a cost-effective job creator, generating about 17 jobs for every $1 million spent. By designating National Estuaries Week, the Senate is signaling to federal agencies, state governments (34 of which already run National Estuary Programs), and local groups that it stands behind their efforts to protect and restore these vital areas. While it won't change your daily commute or your tax bill, it’s a strong political statement that protects the environmental infrastructure supporting major parts of the national economy.