Coastal Wetlands
A saltmarsh forms in a coastal area in a protected bay or estuary.
They are often protected from the sea by barrier beaches or sand spits.
This allows sediment to accumulate which provides a foothold for saltwater grasses. Saltmarshes differs from
fresh water marshes mainly due to regular influxes of salt water
from the ocean.
Saltmarshes:
- provide habitat and food for fish, crustaceans, shellfish, birds
and mammals. This in turn supports hunting and fishing.
- absorb pollutants.
- reduce erosion of the marine shore.
- provide an opportunity to observe nature.
Much of the original saltmarshes in North America have been altered or
destroyed. Saltmarshes have been ditched, drained or diked to take advantage
of the rich organic material found in their soil. All terrain vehicles
can destroy saltmarsh by removing the grasses which hold the soil in
place and prevent erosion.
Saltmarshes I have Known
- Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
- Bolsa Chica is in southern California.
- Sackville Waterfowl Park
- near Sackville New Brunswick close to the Bay of Fundy. Previously drained, the park was reflooded. It includes boardwalks,
trails and interpretive signs. The marsh was called "Tintamarre" or "great noise" by the Acadians
because of the huge flocks of migrating waterfowl.
- Penouille
- in Forillon Park on the Gaspé Peninsula.
- Isles-de-la-Madeleine
- in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence
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