Coastal Wetlands

Coastal wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that are found in the transitional zone between land and water. They are characterized by the presence of water, hydric soils, and hydrophytic vegetation. Coastal wetlands include a variety of habitats such as salt marshes, mangrove swamps, and tidal flats. These ecosystems provide important ecological and economic services, including shoreline protection, habitat for diverse plant and animal species, and nutrient cycling.

Key Concepts

• Types of Coastal Wetlands: Coastal wetlands can be categorized into different types such as salt marshes, mangrove swamps, and estuarine wetlands.
• Importance: Coastal wetlands are crucial for coastal protection, storm surge buffering, providing habitat for diverse species, and acting as carbon sinks.
• Threats: Human activities such as coastal development, pollution, and climate change pose significant threats to the health and integrity of coastal wetlands.
• Conservation and Management: Efforts to conserve and manage coastal wetlands include the establishment of protected areas, restoration projects, and sustainable land use practices.

Study Guide

1. Describe the characteristics of coastal wetlands and provide examples of different types of coastal wetland ecosystems.
2. Explain the ecological and economic importance of coastal wetlands, including their role in supporting biodiversity and providing valuable ecosystem services.
3. Discuss the major threats facing coastal wetlands and their associated ecosystems, and identify potential strategies for addressing these threats.
4. Compare and contrast the conservation and management approaches used to protect coastal wetlands around the world.
5. Investigate a specific case study of a coastal wetland conservation or restoration project, and analyze its effectiveness in achieving its goals.