The ecological landscape of the eastern coast of North America largely consists of salt marshes. The expanse of green, consisting of grasses, marsh plants, and a variety of marsh organisms, forms the boundary between the land and the ocean. The grass roots prevent erosion of the shoreline from ocean tides and also provide many benefits to fisheries. Marshes provide the food and shelter necessary for young fish to survive. However, as the human population continues to increase and expand, many of the marshes along the coast are being destroyed. They are being filled in for developments or contaminated through the disposal of wastes. Hence, the once grass and salt scented air is now being replaced by the stench of rotting wastes and hydrogen sulphide. Hydrogen sulphide is commonly recognized by its rotten egg odour.
Many vulnerable ecosystems, such as those situated in regions between salt and freshwater, are being destroyed through urbanization and industrial developments. Marshes are being replaced with manufacturing warehouses and housing complexes. Because the governments wish to attract corporations to their states to improve economical growth, they do not often argue when a factory is built over a pre-existing marshland. Companies seek easy access to the ocean and its water so that its wastes can easily be diluted and transported. Also, some companies have productions processes that require large quantities of water, usually as a heating or cooling mechanism.
Though it is not possible to prevent all the negative impacts to marshes by human activities, some destruction can
be prevented through public awareness and preservation of coastal areas. In order for the ecological functions of marshes to be maintained, it is necessary to preserve as much of the marsh area along the coast as possible. This is a very difficult feat and will require everyone’s involvement.Also, preservation needs to be implemented at a national level, not a state level. The entire coastal ecosystem is in jeopardy. Therefore, planning ways to manage the marshes and still allow for human access are in order. Roadways must be constructed to allow access for the people who wish to explore the unique characteristics of the marshes as well as to allow access to regions around and on the other side of marsh locations. No roadways would create further destruction because people will then venture wherever they please. Wastes also need to be managed more efficiently since improper disposal can contaminate and kill many organisms, both plants and animals, which have major roles in this water environment.
The battle between industrial developments and conservation of a fragile or vulnerable ecosystem will prevail as our profit-minded, market-oriented society continues to seek maximum growth and development of all the Earth’s resources. Many people should consider the benefits of preserving the marshes, such as continued shoreline protection, compared to the costs that will accumulate as a result of losing them. There are many industries that indirectly rely on them, such as fisheries and tourism. More awareness of this situation needs to be made public so that everyone can decide on the fate of the salt marshes.
Easton T. Classic edition sources: environmental studies. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2009. pp. 41-2.
Related Links...
Environment Canada. Salt marsh conservation and restoration. [Online]. Avail from: http://www.ns.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/salt_marsh/toc_e.html [2003 Jun 9]
Frankenberg D. Carolina environmental diversity explorations: a blackwater river from sea to source. [Online]. Avail from: http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/cede_blackwaterriver/55 [1999]
