What is the impact of enhanced wetland habitats in watershed management?

Enhanced wetland habitats play a crucial role in watershed management by improving biodiversity and ecological health. Wetlands serve as vital ecosystems that provide numerous benefits, including habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. They act as natural buffers, filtering pollutants from surface runoff and improving overall water quality.

By supporting diverse populations of flora and fauna, enhanced wetlands contribute to increased ecological resilience, allowing ecosystems to adapt to changes and stresses, such as climate change and human activities. A rich biodiversity in wetlands also promotes the stability of food webs and offers critical services such as carbon storage and flood mitigation, further enhancing the ecological health of the watershed.

In contrast, reductions in fish populations or decreases in water quality, as suggested by the other options, are typically associated with negative environmental impacts and would not be a result of enhanced wetlands. Limiting recreational activities would also not align with the primary objectives of enhancing wetland habitats, which is to promote ecological function and potentially increase opportunities for recreation and education in connection with healthy ecosystems.