Marshes
The Role of Salt Marshes
Salt marshes are rich habitat, providing great biological diversity and are extremely important as nursery grounds for many economically important fish (silversides) and shellfish (mussels and clams). They help fuel food webs by recycling and exporting tremendous amounts of nutrients, while improving water quality by filtering pollutants. They also protect the shoreline from storm damage, such as flooding and erosion by dispersing wave and tidal energy.
Salt marshes are one of the most biologically and ecologically productive natural ecosystems on Earth. They are important because they:
- Provide a critical habitat for many species of plant, bird and marine life
- Provide breeding grounds and protection for species of plant, bird, and marine life in various stages of development
- Protect shorelines from erosion and flooding
- Improve water quality by filtering water
Marshes are dynamic, constantly growing both outward and upward. They respond to changes in the coastline, which include development of adjacent upland, hydrological alterations, storms, and rising sea level. Restoration efforts have taken place to make up for past losses and degradation. However, salt marshes are now on the battlefront of climate change as the Northeast experiences increasing tidal heights and intensity of storms.
Two-thirds of Salem Sound’s salt marshes were lost between 1965 and 1997. Protecting the remaining salt marshes of Salem Sound is critical for the ecological health of the Sound.
Salt Marshes and Mud Flats
Some of the most easily neglected habitats along the coastline are the salt marshes and mudflats that are scattered all around Salem Sound. After many years of over-development and abuse, we now have come to realize that these habitats are critical to the overall health of The Sound. Salt marshes, particularly, play a vital role, acting as a filter for pollution in the waters and as nursery for important marine animals.
Mudflats also play a big role as buffers, reducing coastal erosion and act as a nursery and feeding ground for hundreds of different marine animals and shorebirds. They are important habitats for many burrowing and foraging animals, and for highly productive bacteria. Migrating bird species rely heavily on both these habitats for food.
The Power of Salt Marshes
Barbara Warren shares the importance of salt marshes on Chronicle’s show on Salt (WCVB Channel 5). (video 2.43 minutes)
