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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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