Salt Marshes

Salt marshes are coastal wetlands rich in marine life, which are covered by water at least once per month. They are found in the intertidal zones along low-energy coastlines, forming along the margins of estuaries, where freshwater from the land mixes with seawater. These marshes can be found near the Great South Bay and the Long Island Sound. The entire south shore of Long Island is considered to be a salt marsh important to the health of the marine life. Beginning in Jamaica Bay and extending to Montauk Point, Long Islands salt marches help remove toxic chemicals that are caused by pollution, thus making them a vital part of the eco-system.

The Salt Marshes contain different types of grasses that grow out of the water and along the water's edge. This grass can be seen when the tide is low and is covered by water when the tide comes in. This grass helps hold the soil toge

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This is important for the environment, and for all people and marine life on earth. Some mammals use the salt marsh also. One method of revitalizing marshes is to reestablish tidal flow to wetland areas. These animals use the marsh and its tall grasses for protection from predators.

There are destructive forces at work against the salt marsh. Peat also acts as a filter, cleaning water by removing various compounds and either storing or breaking them down. They are a critical factor in the complex web of life for both the oceans and land ecosystems. While a slowly rising sea level has had some effect, the greatest destruction of salt marshes that has taken place is urban and suburban development. Most people barely notice coastal marshes, but are influenced by their role in our overall environment, and in providing a healthy coastal environment in particular. Culverts become clogged or may be too narrow to allow adequate amounts of salt water to maintain a salt marsh. These animals use the marsh not only as a home, but as a place to find food as well.

Approximate Word count = 619
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

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