Despite their beauty, salt marshes are often considered wastelands. Like bogs, they’re usually filled in populated coastal areas in order to make space for urban development. Surprisingly, although salinity and flooding are factors that cause special problems for wildlife, this type of environment is just as biologically productive as a rainforest.
Salt marshes are common in Nova Scotia where they act as transitional zones between the sea and land. They are not as frequently found on Canada’s Pacific coast, where rocky shores are more prevalent.
Daily tidal flooding brings in nutrients to the marsh that feed a number of salt tolerant species of plants and animals. Although the many types of cordgrass found in the marsh may not be eaten, they provide sustenance for microorganisms as they decompose. Eventually these life forms at the bottom of the food chain are consumed by fish and others. A thriving web of life supports such diverse creatures as crabs, coyotes, eagles and clams.
Lying on the edge of the vast ocean, a salt marsh acts as a buffer, shielding the land from severe weather. Plants in the marsh can survive longer periods underwater during occasions of extreme flooding and trees such as the white spruce are more tolerant of salt spray. As hurricanes become increasingly common in north Atlantic waters, this function will become even more important.
Salt marshes are also places where air and water are purified. They detoxify wastes brought in by the tides on a daily basis. Microorganisms work non-stop to neutralize pollutants found in water, a great benefit near populated urban areas.
Considering all these benefits to the surrounding environment, it’s no wonder that in some places around the world, salt marshes are now protected and attempts are being made to restore them to their original state.
There’s a section in one of the science books we use here that talks about the importance of salt marshes – seems to me if we’re going to protect the environment, this type of land would be one of the most vital. Beautiful, wondermous photos, Amy!
Thanks Cindy. The photos are fairly easy to take. The place is so beautiful, that all you have to do is show up and click.
Exotic, far away places always seem to get more attention than the ones nearby. If salt marshes were limited to only one place on the planet we might be more concerned about their survival.
It’s easier to get people on board for the protection of cute pandas and stunning vistas than it is for wetlands of any sort. I think it’s the mosquitoes. Ah well. You make a good case for the salt marsh.
Gerry, if it’s not the mosquitoes, it’s definitely the lack of animals with big eyes in this type of habitat.
This was very instructive. It seems there are so many things and places on this earth that provide benefits that we’re not even really aware of. Love the photo of the clam digger. Kind of makes you want to go out there (just for a hour) and dig clams.
Kathy, I really should give clam digging a try, but after talking to one of the clammers, it seems like it’s a whole lot of hard work, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Interesting, great information. Thanks.
You’re welcome JoAnn. Glad you found it informative.
Salt marshes are beautiful and vital. And the mosquitoes we complain about provide food for hundreds of species of animals that live in and around marshes, many of which are commercially valuable. The pros of salt marshes far outweigh the cons. And what lovely photos! 🙂
Thanks waven. Yes those mosquitoes do have a special value in the ecosystem. Numerous bats were flying around me one morning very early when I was out in the salt marsh. They must have been attracted by the mosquitoes hovering around my head.
[…] The benefits of salt marshes (Flandrum Hill) […]
Beautiful pictures! We have a couple of salt marshes within walking distance down here on the Connecticut shoreline. I’m glad there is more interest in preserving them (and restoring others that had been filled in) these days. Informative blogs like yours help spread awareness of their value. Thank you! The last time ours flooded, though, was from a torrential rainstorm in March, not from the sea… Some pictures of the flooding on my blog if you’d like to see them.
http://ingebrita.wordpress.com/?s=flood
[…] out why salt marshes are beneficial in this article from someone in Nova […]
[…] Notes: The world over, scientists are urging us to let coastlines return to marshes. Not only are they beautiful, but they prevent coastline erosion, keep fish populations high, and reduce pollution. […]