Tidal marshes-the boundary between land and ocean
Year: 1980
Type: other
Abstract: Tidal marshes of the United States cover about 13,000 square miles, approximately the combined area of Connecticut and Massachusetts. From a global perspective, marshes form a narrow fringe of intertidal flats along ocean coasts. They are vegetated by a few hardy species, mostly grasses, that have been able to adapt to the unusual stresses of tidal flooding and salt water. Tidal marshes provide feeding and nursery grounds for many commercially important fin and shellfish. Sport fishermen, as well as\nhunters, are attracted to these areas by the plentiful supply of fish, waterfowl, and furbearers. The value of tidal marshes has been recognized by the passage of Presidential Executive Order (E .O. ll990) in 1977, prompting State and Federal agencies to minimize\nimpacts or alterations in wetlands. The purpose of this brochure is to provide an overview of the ecology of tidal marshes along the Gulf coast of the United States, factors affecting them, and their value.
Author: James G. Gosselink
Language: English
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W135702516