Salt Marsh Ecosystem
explanatory Essay
1853 words
Salt marshes, usually mistaken for a mosquito infested mud pits, have a higher purpose than what the human population gives them credit for. Salt marshes are a unique ecosystem that makes home to many different species of vertebrates, invertebrates and plants. Salt marsh ecosystem’s serve as nursery grounds for many juvenile game fish such as red fish and black drum and are also home to a very important commercial fish, the bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli). The salt marsh ecosystems also serve as a buffer by filtering the pollution out of our waters. Human industrialization is currently filling in the areas where these salt marshes are inhabited and is altering our coastline significantly. Many efforts are being made to help restore the salt marshes through rehabilitation, re-vegetation, and if needed re-creation. Once a salt marsh has been completely destroyed, despite the best efforts, that ecosystem will no longer function as well as it once did.
Salt marshes occur within the upper intertidal zone between open water and low-energy shorelines. They are periodically flooded by high tide and stay continuously flooded even at low tide. These ecosystems are found in more temperate regions and can range from Europe, Asia, America, Australia and Africa (Katrien, 2009). In North America, salt marshes are located through out New England becoming more abundant in New Jersey and stretching down to the Carolina’s. Once you get into south Florida mangroves, swamps dominated by mangrove species, replace the salt marshes. Salt marshes are found where small amounts of sediments are able to accumulate and secure a foundation so the vegetation can hold onto. The salt marsh vegetation is under water for most of the year and takes in high amo...
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...niversity press. 1997. Print.
-Pomeroy.L.R., R.G. Wiegert. The Ecology of a Salt Marsh. New York: Springer-Verlag New York Inc. 1981. Print.
-Sweat, L.H. Salt Marsh Habitats. Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. Copyright 2009. Last updated 14 July 2009. http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/Saltmarsh.htm.
-Taylor, Peter. Do salt marshes serve as fish nurseries? Science Insights. 2005. http://www.gulfofmaine.org/times/summer2005/scienceinsights.html.
-Tiner, Ralph. Field guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of the Southeastern United States. Printed by the United States of America. 1993. Print.
-Wenner, Elizabeth. Dynamics of the Salt Marsh. Sea Science. Marine Resources Research Institute. Copyright 2010. http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/pub/seascience/dynamic.html.
-Weiss, J. Salt Marsh. The Encyclopedia of Earth. 2013. http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/155839.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that salt marshes are a unique ecosystem that makes home to many different species of vertebrates, invertebrate and plants.
- Explains that salt marshes occur in the upper intertidal zone between open water and low-energy shorelines and are periodically flooded by high tide.
- Explains the amount of coastal wetlands that cover the earth is about 40 million acres and they make up 38 percent of the total wetland acreage in the united states.
- Explains that salt marshes are a unique ecosystem that makes home to many different species of vertebrates, invertebrate and plants.
- Explains that salt marshes occur in the upper intertidal zone between open water and low-energy shorelines and are periodically flooded by high tide.
- Explains the amount of coastal wetlands that cover the earth is about 40 million acres and they make up 38 percent of the total wetland acreage in the united states.
- Explains that salt marshes are found on low energy shorelines where dune systems are not found. dune systems accumulate sediments due to wind factors.
- Explains that the salt marsh hydrology is controlled by lunar cycles and the topography of the land resulting in two tidal influences, semi-diurnal and diur
- Explains that flood zones can show patterns depending on how high the elevation is between each area. the regular flooded zone shows saturation at all times even during the lowest low tide, while the irregular flood zone has a different ecological pattern.
- Explains that salt marshes are more than what appears to the eye to most people. they provide flood protection during high sea levels due to storm surges and act as a sponge taking in excess water.
- Explains that salt marshes can keep up with rising sea levels due to their ability to retain sediments and keep building as long as human destruction decreases.
- Explains that salt marshes are made up of plants defined as halophytes, species that have adapted to complete their lifecycle in saline environments.
- Explains that vegetation diversity increases along the upper edges of the marsh with species such as salicornia sps., batis maritime, sporobolus virginicus, and limonium nashii.
- Explains that saltpans are hyper saline areas with in the marsh that flora and fauna species have a hard time adapting to.
- Explains that the salt marsh functions as a nursery for many fish species, providing protection to juvenile fishes from large predators and providing endless food supply.
- Explains that the salt marsh's most important attribute to the birds is nesting grounds.
- Explains that many invertebrates inhabit the salt marsh and take refuge there. they are constantly aerating the soils and consuming the vegetation.
- Explains that the nutria is an invasive rodent that has caused a good bit of damage on our southern salt marshes.
- Cites adams, paul, and clark, mark. gulf coast salt marshes. florida wetlands all about wetlands.
- Describes the coastal wetlands of the united states environmental protection agency and the friends of blackwater national wildlife refuge's nurtria fact sheet.
- Explains the importance of salt marshes and mangroves in marine conservation education.
- Explains the l i f e histories and enviromnental requirements of coastalfishes and invertebrates (mid-at1antic)--bay anchovy.
- Explains that noaa ocean service education's estuaries were revised 25 mar 2008, and that packham, j.r., a.j. willis and pomeroy published the ecology of a salt marsh.
- Explains that salt marshes serve as fish nurseries, according to science insights.
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- Explains that the chesapeake bay was once abundant with oysters dating back to about 5,000 years ago. the reefs were actually hazards to ships sailing through the bay.
- Explains the importance of the chesapeake bay, the largest estuary in the united states.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay's oyster population has declined due to over harvesting, agricultural runoff, and disease.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay was once abundant with oysters dating back to about 5,000 years ago. the reefs were actually hazards to ships sailing through the bay.
- Explains that people began to use and eat oysters around 4,500 years ago, shell deposits called middens were created as people harvested the oyster.
- Explains that europeans and natives only harvested oysters around the shore in shallow water. in the colonial time there were not enough people to make an impact on oyster stock, so the oyster population continued to grow.
- Explains that new england fishermen developed a device to pick up hundreds of oysters and rip out their reef called dredges, which negatively affected the oyster home.
- Explains the inventions that led to the fall of oysters, such as steam powered ships, canning machines, and dredges.
- Explains that maryland's harvest jumped to 5,000,000 bushels of oysters and virginians claimed 2,000,000. oyster shells were being consumed for grit, agricultural lime, and building fill.
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- Explains that some farmers are creating nutrients plans to reduce nutrient pollution while maintaining crop production and increasing farm profits. this technique allows farmers to spend less money on expensive chemicals to treat their crop.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay oysters are near the brink of extinction.
- Explains that the chesapeake bay's oyster restoration program is on the right path with new plans president obama put in place.
2817 wordsRead More - Analysis Of The Salt Marsh Islands At Jamaica Bayexplanatory essayThe tidal salt marshes make vital contributions to the ecosystem in Jamaica Bay. The marshes help spawning processes and are primary nursery for species important to both recreational and commercial uses, providing protection from storm surges, and also removing pollutants and other toxic substances, which as a result, acts as a natural filter, improving the water quality in the bay. Salt marshes are low lying, grasslands that periodically become overwhelmed and drained by high tides. The fish and shellfish nurseries and are also a feeding ground for various species of wildlife in the ecosystem. They support a variety of invertebrates such as mussels, shrimp, oysters and horseshoe crabs that are key elements of the estuarine ecosystem. However, throughout the past few decades, the salt marshes at Jamaica Bay has significantly declined which created a tremendous negative impact on the general public in addition to the deterioration on the living habitats in the area. Many factors contribute to the decline such as sediment depletion, neighboring developments, increased tidal ranges, and especially nitrogen loading from untreated sewage. Although the damages done were unintentional, much of it was occurred due to negligence. As awareness has increased, restoration efforts have escalated as well as various groups respond well to mitigate the losses.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the importance of salt marshes in jamaica bay. they are low lying grasslands that periodically become overwhelmed and drained by high tides.
- Describes the $19 million project called the new york/new jersey harbor-jamaica bay multi-project initiative.
- Explains the structure and functions of the salt marshes in jamaica bay.
- Explains the importance of salt marshes in jamaica bay. they are low lying grasslands that periodically become overwhelmed and drained by high tides.
- Describes the $19 million project called the new york/new jersey harbor-jamaica bay multi-project initiative.
- Explains the structure and functions of the salt marshes in jamaica bay.
- Explains how governor cuomo supported the jamaica bay multi-project initiative project to restore 28 acres of the marsh on rulers bar and black wall islands.
1313 wordsRead More - Ecosystem In The Florida Ecosystemcomparative essayThe Florida Keys is one of the most famous and most visited archipelagos in the world. Contrary to what many people think, though, the Florida Keys do not begin at Key Largo. To the north lie nearly 50 more keys (ancient coral reef islands) that are mostly undeveloped pieces of land. Great adventures await you as you venture from the mangrove shoreline out to the coral reefs of Biscayne Bay. Biscayne Bay is a shallow estuary, managed by the National Park Services along with Florida Wildlife Commission and many others. The bay serves as a nursery for many infant and juvenile marine life species that need protection until big enough to survive in the open ocean. Large healthy seagrass beds provide hiding places and food for many of the animals living on the reef. Protected by a chain of islands or keys off shore and the mainland to the west, the bay is one of the most productive ecosystems in the park. It is comprised of four different ecosystems; the two major ecosystems are beneath the bay 's clear waters: hardbottom and seagrass.
In this essay, the author
- Describes the florida keys as one of the most famous and visited archipelagos in the world. biscayne bay is a shallow estuary, managed by the national park services and florida wildlife commission.
- Explains that the hardbottom areas are home to soft corals, sponges and other invertebrates that use the area for shelter. seagrasses are important to the bay's ecology.
- Explains that coastal infrastructure projects and beach restoration projects can damage coral habitat and reduce water clarity. global warming is causing coral bleaching.
- Describes the florida keys as one of the most famous and visited archipelagos in the world. biscayne bay is a shallow estuary, managed by the national park services and florida wildlife commission.
- Explains that the hardbottom areas are home to soft corals, sponges and other invertebrates that use the area for shelter. seagrasses are important to the bay's ecology.
- Explains that coastal infrastructure projects and beach restoration projects can damage coral habitat and reduce water clarity. global warming is causing coral bleaching.
- Concludes that it is extremely important to maintain and protect our coastal environments, since the disappearance of coral reef ecosystems will continue to have a detrimental impact on marine biodiversity.
777 wordsRead More - Pollution Problems Concerning the Long Island Soundopinion essayThe Long Island Sound is an estuary, and is in fact one of the largest in the world. An estuary is a place where salt water from the ocean mixes with fresh water from the rivers that drain from the land. Moreover, like other estuaries, the Long Island Sound has an abundance of fish and other waterfowl that add to the natural balance of the island, as well as one of the most important economic factors (Tedesco). Like other estuaries around the world, the Sound provides breeding, feeding, nesting, and nursery areas for many species that will spend most of their adult lives in the oceans (Long Island Sound Study). Despite these similarities to other estuaries, the Long Island Sound is unique from anywhere else in the world. Unlike other estuaries, the Long Island Sound does not just have one connection to the sea but it has two. It has two major sources of fresh water flowing into the bay that empty into the ocean. It combines this two-...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the long island sound is a national treasure, valued for its beauty, abundant and diverse resources, and recreational and commercial opportunities.
- Explains that the long island sound is an estuary where salt water mixes with fresh water from rivers that drain from the land. it provides breeding, feeding, nesting, and nursery areas for many species.
- Explains that the long island sound is an ideal location for recreational and commercial purposes. it is considered among the most important and valuable estuaries in the world.
- Opines that the long island sound is a national treasure, valued for its beauty, abundant and diverse resources, and recreational and commercial opportunities.
- Explains that the long island sound is an estuary where salt water mixes with fresh water from rivers that drain from the land. it provides breeding, feeding, nesting, and nursery areas for many species.
- Explains that the long island sound is an ideal location for recreational and commercial purposes. it is considered among the most important and valuable estuaries in the world.
- Explains that most residents of long island think of themselves as independent from their natural surroundings. they don't pay enough attention to the relationships among themselves and the plants and animals around them.
- Explains that people cause the leading causes of problems in the long island sound.
- Explains that industrialization on long island adds pollutants into the sound, such as nutrients, floatables, and pathogens.
- Explains that heavy metals, such as copper, lead, cadmium, mercury, zinc, and chromium, are a serious concern for water pollution in the long island sound.
- Explains that soil erosion and sedimentation are a significant source of pollution entering the long island sound.
- Explains that large areas of the long island sound are impaired as habitat for fish and shellfish because of low dissolved oxygen levels.
- Explains that the region surrounding the long island sound has always been considered an extremely desirable place to live, causing a major population influx since world war ii.
- Describes the long island sound study, a government-sponsored program dedicated to defining, understanding, and recommending methods for managing the environmental health of the sound.
- Opines that the restoration of the long island sound must be a combined effort of all those who reside near the sound.
- Opines that the long island sound should be protected, preserved, and restored.
- Opines that reducing nitrogen in wastewater to protect a region's waterways is the goal of biocycle.
- Analyzes joe, brancatelli's article, "what is polluting our beaches?" popular science.
- Analyzes spiegal's "unsound proposal?: concern on the coast, classical conflict again unfolds: energy vs. environment." hartford courant.
- Explains that tedesco, mark a., "this fine piece of water: an environmental history of long island sound."
2479 wordsRead More - The Loss of Coastal Wetlandsopinion essayGlobally coastal wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate, the problem is most of society does not realize the value of these precious wetlands. Coastal wetlands provide an important role in the coastal ecosystem. “Coastal wetlands provide critical services such as absorbing energy from coastal storms, preserving shorelines, protecting human populations and infrastructure, supporting commercial seafood harvests, absorbing pollutants and serving as critical habitat for migratory bird populations”(Anonymous, 2011). Coastal wetlands are an economical asset as well as an environmental one.
In this essay, the author
- Introduces the environmental concerns of the loss of coastal wetlands and the devastation that is occurring due to human activity.
- Explains that urbanization is causing enormous amounts of devastation to the existing wetlands.
- Opines that the disappearance of coastal wetlands is an underlying issue with any environmental concern. while society continues to move at a rapid pace, individuals desire to slow down.
- Introduces the environmental concerns of the loss of coastal wetlands and the devastation that is occurring due to human activity.
- Explains that urbanization is causing enormous amounts of devastation to the existing wetlands.
- Opines that the disappearance of coastal wetlands is an underlying issue with any environmental concern. while society continues to move at a rapid pace, individuals desire to slow down.
- States hong et al. (2010) states that management policies must reflect not only the ecological characteristics of the region, but also its cultural, historical, and social characteristics.
- Opines that their dream of sharing the joy of the wetlands with their children will never become a reality.
- Concludes that coastal wetlands provide an essential environmental element that benefits not only the coastal ecosystem but society as well. conservation will be essential for the preservation of these precious ecosystems.
- Explains that many coastal wetlands are likely to disappear this century, according to scientists.
- Explains the impact of urbanization on coastal wetland structure and function. austral ecology, 31(2), 149-163.
588 wordsRead More - Wetlands Crisisexplanatory essayIn the 1600,s which marked the beginning of colonial era, it was estimated that 220 million acres of wetlands which are now considered the lower 48 states in the United States existed. Forwarding 400 years later, the United States has now lost more than half of its originals wetlands and the resources which comes along with it. Between the years of 1932 to 2000, the state of Louisiana accounted for 80 % percent of the wetland loss in the United States alone with approximately 2,000 square miles loss to the Gulf of Mexico (Tibbett’s, 2006). It is determined that if no dr...
In this essay, the author
- Defines wetlands as geographical areas where water covers or overly saturates the soil during the majority of growing seasons. they vary based on their appearances and locations which are greatly influenced by regional and soil divergence.
- Explains that wetlands are identified based on three major attributes: the constant availability of water, the presence of specially adapted plants, and the developmental condition of the soil.
- Explains that the united states has lost more than half of its originals wetlands and the resources which comes along with it. louisiana accounted for 80 % of the wetland loss in the us alone.
- Defines wetlands as geographical areas where water covers or overly saturates the soil during the majority of growing seasons. they vary based on their appearances and locations which are greatly influenced by regional and soil divergence.
- Explains that wetlands are identified based on three major attributes: the constant availability of water, the presence of specially adapted plants, and the developmental condition of the soil.
- Explains that the united states has lost more than half of its originals wetlands and the resources which comes along with it. louisiana accounted for 80 % of the wetland loss in the us alone.
- Analyzes how the big muddy river, which joins the mississippi and flows down to the gulf of mexico, nurtured and sustained wetlands.
- Explains how louisiana wetlands were drained to inhibit mosquitoes borne diseases and the development of suburbanization.
- Explains that the national academics released a review article titled, drawing louisiana’s new map, addressing land loss in coastal louisiana in november 2005. hurricane katrina's disastrous flooding of new orleans is an example of this.
- Explains that restoration and management researches were conducted to reduce the rates at which wetlands are being lost in louisiana, but engineered structures were not effective or valuable in controlling erosion. plants have shown to become a better alternative in reducing erosion
- Describes louisiana state university's coastal plant breeding program, which employs traditional and molecular plant breeding technologies to assess in the creation of plant materials that are more efficient in restoring coastal wetlands.
- Explains that smooth cord grass is a native plant species that is widespread in louisiana and is best suited for restoration purposes. sea oats are another perennial grass species which once dominated parts of louisiana.
- Explains that both sea oats and smooth cord grass species have been shown to adapt successfully in louisiana's climate and hence are used extensively in costal restoration throughout various areas.
- Opines that with global climates and human intrusion on wetlands, more needs to be done to protect and sustain what is left.
- Cites new england wetlands: ecology, functions, and degradation executive office of energy and environmental affairs.
1387 wordsRead More - The Effects of Global Warming on Wetlandsanalytical essayAnalysis of sites in five coastal states indicate that many marshes and mangrove ecosystems receive adequate mineral sediments to produce enough organic sediment and root material to remain above sea level at the present rate of sea-level rise (1-2 mm per year globally). However, three of the twelve wetlands studied were not keeping pace with the current rate of sea-level rise. If sea-level rise accelerates, some additional sites would also begin to slowly deteriorate and submerge.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal life. wetland habitats are among the most valuable environmental resources.
- Explains the importance of decreasing human interference with the natural processes by which wetlands adapt to sea level rise.
- Explains the potential impacts of climate change on coastal wetlands, which are vulnerable to direct, large-scale impacts.
- Explains that wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal life. wetland habitats are among the most valuable environmental resources.
- Explains the importance of decreasing human interference with the natural processes by which wetlands adapt to sea level rise.
- Explains the potential impacts of climate change on coastal wetlands, which are vulnerable to direct, large-scale impacts.
- Argues that reducing co2 emissions with bans on coal, shale oil, and synfuels would delay a projected two degree (c) warming from 2040 to 2065.
892 wordsRead More - Wetland Restorationexplanatory essayTurner, Eugene and J.M. Lee. "Backfilling Canals as Wetland Restoration Technique in Coastal Louisiana" University Research Initiative. U.S. Department of the Interior: Louisiana, 1994.
In this essay, the author
- Cites abolone, steve. constructed wetlands and aquatic plant systems for municipal wastewater treatment.
- Explains turner, eugene, and j.m. lee's "backfilling canals as wetland restoration technique in coastal louisiana."
- Explains that the delineation of wetlands for granting permits has proven enormously controversial. wetland restoration and creation proposals must be viewed with great care.
- Cites abolone, steve. constructed wetlands and aquatic plant systems for municipal wastewater treatment.
- Explains turner, eugene, and j.m. lee's "backfilling canals as wetland restoration technique in coastal louisiana."
- Explains that the delineation of wetlands for granting permits has proven enormously controversial. wetland restoration and creation proposals must be viewed with great care.
- Opines that protection of wetlands is crucial to state’s economy. hollis, ted, and james bedding.
1185 wordsRead More