September 11, 2024 — Tidal Wetlands Are a Seafood Powerhouse
Estuaries are some of the most ecologically productive ecosystems in the world. They support diverse coastal economies, tourism and recreation, marine transportation and construction, and fisheries. Many commercial and recreationally important fish use coastal wetlands as habitat for at least part of their lives.
But these marshes face challenges, some driven or amplified by human activities. For example, ditches created in the marsh for mosquito control or agriculture have been shown to diminish the health of tidal marsh vegetation.Tidal constrictions, such as culverts or tide gates, can also restrict the natural flooding cycle necessary to support a healthy marsh. Finally, sea-level rise is and will continue to drive loss and degradation of substantial areas of coastal marsh.
Addressing Threats Through Holistic Planning
NOAA is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners to address these challenges. We have developed a guidance document focused on coastal marsh restoration in the mid-Atlantic region. It highlights our common goals, provides guidance for partners, and addresses some potential issues of concern. It marks a step forward toward scaling up effective coastal marsh restoration in the face of many challenges. We recognize that an integrated approach, prioritizing overall ecosystem function above species-specific needs, is the best way to ensure coastal marsh persistence in light of an uncertain future.