Saltmarshes

Abstract

Saltmarsh is the natural fringing vegetation of many estuaries, most particularly in temperate and higher latitudes, but saltmarsh also occurs in conjunction with mangroves in tropical and subtropical regions. The development of saltmarsh involves dynamic interactions and feedbacks between the biota and the physical environment. Saltmarshes provide habitat for a rich biota. The ecosystem services provided by saltmarshes include sustaining fisheries, provision of habitat migratory birds, provision of shoreline protection, and sequestration of carbon. Anthropogenic pressures on estuarine resources and the effects of increased carbon dioxide and climate disruption will pose threats to the long-term sustainability of many saltmarshes unless coordinated international action can be undertaken.