The ecology of delta marshes of coastal Louisiana : a community profile

Abstract : This document reviews and synthesizes ecological information and data on the extensive marshes of the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain. Over the past 6,000 years the river has built a delta onto the Continental Shelf of the Gulf of Mexico. This low land is primarily marshes and represents about 227 of the total coastal wetland area of the 48 conterminous United States. The delta is notable for its high primary productivity, its valuable fishery and fur industry, and the recreational fishing and hunting it supports.