Interests of the Amicus Curiae
The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) is a leading professional association of wetland and aquatic scientists around the world, including the United States. Established in 1980, SWS advances scientific and educational objectives related to wetland science and encourages professional standards in all activities related to wetland science. SWS has over 3,000 members and publishes a peerreviewed quarterly journal, Wetlands, concerned with all aspects of wetland biology, ecology, hydrology, water chemistry, soil, and sediment characteristics. SWS supports the use of the best available scientific information in making decisions on the use and management of wetland and aquatic resources. As a scientific society, SWS weighs in on the definition of “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act (CWA), 33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq. (2012), relying on scientific research and experience with tributaries and geographically proximate adjacent waters. This brief elaborates on the scientific basis behind efforts to address human activities that alter the integrity of aquatic ecosystems. Damage to these systems can affect society in a number of ways, including: harming human welfare and property via flooding, impairing human health via water pollution, loss of recreational opportunities, and threatening species, including commercial species harvested in fisheries, via water pollution and a loss of connectivity. Read more.