TEXAS COASTAL EXCHANGE
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Our Approach
    • Meet The Team
  • Projects
    • Living Shoreline
  • Coastal Ecosystems
    • The Importance Of Coastal Ecosystems
    • The Coastal Carbon Cycle
  • Landowners
    • Role of Landowners
    • Become a Participating Landowner
  • Learn More
    • Carbon Footprint >
      • Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
      • Calculating Your Carbon Footprint
    • Climate Change
    • Global Carbon Cycle
    • Corporate Donors
    • News
    • Glossary
  • Donate

Coastal Marsh 

Coastal salt and brackish marsh ecosystems have been reduced to less than 50% of their historical global range and are being lost at a rate of 1-2% each year. Oil spills, development, and sea level rise remain key threats to these ecosystems and the benefits that they provide to us all.
Picture

Storm Surge Buffer

Coastal marshes act as protective buffers for inland areas against the storm surges of hurricanes by absorbing the wave energy and water associated with these storms.

Flood Control

These ecosystems capture floodwaters and release them slowly. This lessens the impact of floods on surrounding communities. 
Picture
Picture

Erosion Control

The vegetation of coastal marshes protects against erosion by stabilizing the sediment and lessening the power of wave action against the coastline. ​

Fish and Wildlife Habitat

Coastal marshes provide habitat for a variety of animals including birds, crabs, fish, and mammals. They also support fisheries by acting as nurseries for juvenile shrimp and crabs. 
Picture
Picture

Water Quality Improvement

Coastal marsh ecosystems improve water quality by filtering out excess nutrients, pollutants, and pathogens. 

Carbon Storage

Coastal salt and brackish marshes act as carbon sinks by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their leaves, stems, and roots, as well as in the sediment. 
Picture
Symbols for diagrams courtesy of the Integration and Application Network

Interested in learning more about coastal ecosystems? Click the buttons below. 

coastal prairie
bottomland
​hardwood forest

​Follow Us On Social Media

Home

About

Donate

Privacy Policy

Contact

Glossary



Copyright © 2020 Texas Coastal Exchange - All Rights Reserved
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Our Approach
    • Meet The Team
  • Projects
    • Living Shoreline
  • Coastal Ecosystems
    • The Importance Of Coastal Ecosystems
    • The Coastal Carbon Cycle
  • Landowners
    • Role of Landowners
    • Become a Participating Landowner
  • Learn More
    • Carbon Footprint >
      • Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
      • Calculating Your Carbon Footprint
    • Climate Change
    • Global Carbon Cycle
    • Corporate Donors
    • News
    • Glossary
  • Donate