Impacts of Marine Debris on Salt Marsh Habitat
About the Project
Salt marshes are unique ecosystems at the interface of marine and terrestrial environments and provide important ecological services through nursery habitats, water filtration, carbon sequestration, and storm energy buffering. These habitats currently face both global and local threats including climate change, sea-level rise, commercial development, dredging, eutrophication, and oil exploration.
On a smaller scale, marine debris (i.e., litter) can cause damage to habitat directly underneath or adjacent to the debris, leading to vegetation loss, erosion, or habitat fragmentation. Marine debris is prevalent along our coastlines due to many factors including the use of improper disposal of single-use items, commercial industries, recreational activities, and damaging storms.
The Goal of This Project
This study aims to assess the impacts of marine debris on a black needlerush (Juncus Roemerianus) salt marsh. Debris items (discarded crab traps and solid pvc sheets) were placed in the marsh and changes in vegetation, elevation, and sediment characteristics were monitored.
After debris items were removed, some plots were restored with new plants while others were left to recover on their own to compare the need and/or benefit of restorative plantings in such situations. Monitoring is currently ongoing.
