Wetland Preservation on the East Coast of the United States

Wetlands are one of the most important and diverse ecosystems on Earth, providing a wide range of ecological, economic, and social benefits. From salt marshes and mangroves to freshwater swamps and bogs, wetlands are found throughout the East Coast of the United States, covering millions of acres and supporting a rich array of plant and animal species.

However, wetlands are also one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet, facing a range of pressures from human activities such as development, pollution, and climate change. Over the past century, the United States has lost more than half of its original wetlands, with the East Coast experiencing some of the highest rates of loss and degradation.

To address this crisis and protect the vital services that wetlands provide, a range of efforts are underway to preserve and restore wetlands on the East Coast. From federal and state policies to local conservation initiatives and community-based stewardship, these efforts are helping to safeguard these critical ecosystems for current and future generations.

Importance of Wetlands

Wetlands are among the most productive and valuable ecosystems on Earth, providing a wide range of ecological, economic, and social benefits. Some of the key functions and values of wetlands include:

Biodiversity

Wetlands are home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. From rare and endangered species to migratory birds and commercially important fish and shellfish, wetlands support a rich array of life that is essential to the health and resilience of ecosystems and human communities alike.

On the East Coast, some of the most iconic and important wetland species include:

Saltmarsh sparrow: This small, elusive bird is found exclusively in the salt marshes of the East Coast, from Maine to Virginia. With a population of only about 50,000 individuals, the saltmarsh sparrow is considered a species of high conservation concern, threatened by sea level rise and other impacts of climate change.
American black duck: This large, dabbling duck is a common sight in the marshes and wetlands of the East Coast, from Labrador to Florida. Black ducks are an important game species and a key indicator of wetland health, with populations closely tied to the availability and quality of wetland habitat.
Red mangrove: This iconic coastal tree is found in the tropical and subtropical wetlands of the East Coast, from Florida to Texas. Red mangroves play a critical role in stabilizing shorelines, filtering water, and providing habitat for a wide range of fish, shellfish, and other species.
Atlantic sturgeon: This ancient and endangered fish species is found in the coastal waters and estuaries of the East Coast, from Maine to Florida. Atlantic sturgeon is a key indicator of the health of coastal wetlands and a reminder of the long history of human impacts on these ecosystems.

Water Quality

Wetlands play a critical role in maintaining water quality, acting as natural filters that remove pollutants, sediments, and excess nutrients from water as it flows through the landscape. By trapping and storing these materials, wetlands help to reduce the impacts of pollution on downstream ecosystems and human communities, improving the health and safety of water supplies and aquatic habitats.

On the East Coast, wetlands are particularly important for protecting the water quality of major rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters, such as the Chesapeake Bay, the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound, and the Everglades. These ecosystems are critical for supporting commercial and recreational fisheries, tourism, and other economic activities that depend on clean water and healthy habitats.

Flood Control

Wetlands also play a critical role in reducing the impacts of floods and other extreme weather events, acting as natural sponges that absorb and store excess water during heavy rains and storm surges. By slowing the flow of water and reducing the velocity of floodwaters, wetlands help to reduce the risk of property damage, infrastructure failure, and loss of life in coastal and inland communities.

On the East Coast, wetlands are particularly important for protecting low-lying areas from the impacts of hurricanes, nor'easters, and other severe storms. In recent years, the value of wetlands for flood control has become increasingly clear, as the frequency and intensity of these events have increased due to climate change. For example, during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, wetlands in the Mid-Atlantic region were estimated to have prevented more than $625 million in flood damages.

Carbon Sequestration

Wetlands are also important for mitigating the impacts of climate change, acting as natural carbon sinks that absorb and store large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Through the process of photosynthesis, wetland plants take up carbon dioxide and convert it into biomass, which is then stored in the soil and sediments of the wetland. This process helps to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and slow the rate of global warming.

On the East Coast, some of the most important wetland types for carbon sequestration include salt marshes, mangroves, and freshwater swamps. These ecosystems are capable of storing large amounts of carbon for long periods, with some estimates suggesting that coastal wetlands can store up to five times more carbon per acre than tropical forests. However, these ecosystems are also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise and increasing temperatures, which can lead to the release of stored carbon back into the atmosphere.

Threats and Challenges to Wetlands on the East Coast

Despite their ecological, economic, and social importance, wetlands on the East Coast are facing a range of threats and challenges that are putting their health and resilience at risk. Some of the most significant threats to wetlands in the region include:

Development and Land Use Change

One of the biggest threats to wetlands on the East Coast is the loss and fragmentation of habitat due to development and land use change. As human populations and economic activities have expanded in coastal and inland areas, wetlands have been drained, filled, and converted to other uses, such as agriculture, housing, and infrastructure.

On the East Coast, some of the most rapid and extensive wetland losses have occurred in areas with high population growth and development pressure, such as the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. For example, in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which spans six states and the District of Columbia, more than half of the original wetlands have been lost since European settlement, with the majority of these losses occurring in the last century.

Pollution and Water Quality Degradation

Another major threat to wetlands on the East Coast is pollution and water quality degradation, which can have a range of negative impacts on wetland ecosystems and the species that depend on them. Wetlands are particularly vulnerable to pollutants such as nutrients, sediments, and toxins, which can enter the water through runoff from agricultural and urban areas, as well as through direct discharges from industry and wastewater treatment plants.

On the East Coast, some of the most significant sources of wetland pollution include agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, and sewage overflows. These pollutants can lead to a range of problems in wetland ecosystems, such as algal blooms, fish kills, and the loss of sensitive species. In addition, pollution can also have negative impacts on human health and economic activities, such as fishing and tourism, that depend on clean water and healthy wetlands.

Invasive Species

Invasive species are another significant threat to wetlands on the East Coast, as non-native plants and animals can outcompete and displace native species, alter ecosystem functions, and degrade habitat quality. Wetlands are particularly vulnerable to invasive species, as they often have high levels of disturbance and connectivity to other ecosystems, which can facilitate the spread and establishment of non-native species.

On the East Coast, some of the most problematic invasive species in wetlands include:

Phragmites: Also known as common reed, this tall, perennial grass is native to Europe and Asia but has become widespread in wetlands throughout the East Coast. Phragmites can form dense, monospecific stands that outcompete native plant species and reduce habitat diversity and quality for wildlife.
Purple loosestrife: This showy, herbaceous plant is native to Europe and Asia but has become invasive in wetlands throughout the East Coast. Purple loosestrife can form dense, impenetrable thickets that displace native plant species and degrade habitat for wildlife, particularly in freshwater wetlands.
Nutria: This large, semi-aquatic rodent is native to South America but has become established in wetlands throughout the East Coast, particularly in the Gulf Coast region. Nutria can cause significant damage to wetland vegetation through their feeding and burrowing activities, leading to the loss of habitat and increased erosion.

Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

Climate change and sea level rise are also major threats to wetlands on the East Coast, as rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increasing coastal flooding and erosion can all have significant impacts on wetland ecosystems and the species that depend on them.

On the East Coast, some of the most vulnerable wetlands to the impacts of climate change include:

Salt marshes: These coastal wetlands are highly sensitive to changes in sea level, as they depend on a delicate balance of inundation and exposure to maintain their ecological functions. As sea levels rise, many salt marshes are at risk of being submerged and lost, particularly in areas with limited space for inland migration.
Mangroves: These tropical and subtropical wetlands are also highly vulnerable to sea level rise, as they are typically found in low-lying coastal areas and are sensitive to changes in salinity and inundation. In addition, mangroves are also at risk from increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, which can alter their growth and survival.
Freshwater wetlands: These inland wetlands are also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly in areas with changing precipitation patterns and increasing drought and flood risk. In addition, freshwater wetlands are also at risk from shifting species ranges and altered ecosystem dynamics, as rising temperatures and changing environmental conditions can favor some species over others.

Policies and Programs for Wetland Preservation on the East Coast

To address the threats and challenges facing wetlands on the East Coast, a range of policies and programs have been developed at the federal, state, and local levels to promote wetland preservation and restoration. Some of the most significant policies and programs include:

Federal Policies

Clean Water Act: Enacted in 1972, the Clean Water Act is the primary federal law for protecting wetlands and other aquatic resources in the United States. The act regulates the discharge of pollutants into water bodies and requires permits for activities that involve the filling or dredging of wetlands. The act also provides funding for wetland restoration and protection projects through programs such as the National Estuary Program and the Wetlands Reserve Program.
Coastal Zone Management Act: Enacted in 1972, the Coastal Zone Management Act provides federal funding and technical assistance to states for the development and implementation of coastal management programs, including the protection and restoration of coastal wetlands. The act also requires federal agencies to ensure that their activities are consistent with approved state coastal management plans, helping to reduce the impacts of development and other activities on coastal wetlands.
National Wetlands Inventory: Established in 1974, the National Wetlands Inventory is a comprehensive database of wetland resources in the United States, maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The inventory provides detailed information on the location, type, and extent of wetlands across the country, helping to guide wetland conservation and management efforts at the federal, state, and local levels.

State and Local Policies

Wetland Protection Laws: Many states on the East Coast have enacted their wetland protection laws and regulations, which may be more stringent than federal requirements. For example, the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act requires permits for any activity that alters a wetland or its buffer zone, while the New Jersey Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act regulates all activities in freshwater wetlands and transition areas.
Wetland Mitigation: Many states and local governments on the East Coast require developers to mitigate the impacts of their projects on wetlands, either by creating or restoring wetlands on-site or by purchasing credits from wetland mitigation banks. Mitigation requirements help to ensure that there is no net loss of wetland acreage or function as a result of development activities.
Wetland Restoration Programs: Many states and local governments on the East Coast have established programs to restore degraded or lost wetlands, often in partnership with federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and private landowners. For example, the Chesapeake Bay Program has a goal of restoring 85,000 acres of wetlands in the bay watershed by 2025, while the South Carolina Coastal Wetlands Project has restored more than 5,000 acres of wetlands along the state's coast.

Non-Profit and Community-Based Initiatives

Land Trusts: Many non-profit land trusts on the East Coast work to protect and restore wetlands through land acquisition, conservation easements, and stewardship programs. For example, the Maine Coast Heritage Trust has protected more than 150,000 acres of coastal lands, including many important wetland habitats, while the Virginia Eastern Shore Land Trust has protected more than 20,000 acres of wetlands and other coastal habitats.
Community-Based Restoration: Many communities on the East Coast are engaged in grassroots efforts to restore and protect local wetlands, often in partnership with non-profit organizations and government agencies. For example, the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, works with local volunteers to restore salt marshes and other coastal wetlands, while the Chesapeake Bay Foundation engages communities in wetland restoration projects throughout the bay watershed.
Citizen Science: Many organizations and agencies on the East Coast engage citizen scientists in monitoring and research efforts to better understand and protect wetland ecosystems. For example, the National Audubon Society's Coastal Bird Survey engages volunteers in monitoring the health and abundance of coastal bird populations, including many wetland-dependent species, while the University of Rhode Island's Watershed Watch program trains volunteers to monitor water quality and wetland health in local watersheds.

Opportunities and Future Directions for Wetland Preservation on the East Coast

Despite the many challenges and threats facing wetlands on the East Coast, there are also many opportunities and future directions for strengthening and expanding wetland preservation efforts in the region. Some of the most promising opportunities and directions include:

Advancing Science and Technology

Improved Mapping and Monitoring: Advances in remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and other technologies are enabling scientists and managers to better map, monitor, and assess wetland resources on the East Coast. For example, the use of high-resolution satellite imagery and LiDAR data is helping to improve the accuracy and detail of wetland maps, while the development of new sensor technologies and monitoring protocols is enabling more efficient and effective monitoring of wetland health and function.
Predictive Modeling: Advances in computer modeling and simulation are enabling scientists and managers to better predict the impacts of climate change, sea level rise, and other stressors on wetland ecosystems. For example, the use of sea level rise projection models is helping to identify wetlands that are most vulnerable to inundation and loss, while the development of ecological forecasting models is enabling managers to anticipate and respond to changes in wetland species composition and function.
Restoration Techniques: Advances in wetland restoration science and technology are enabling more effective and efficient restoration of degraded and lost wetlands on the East Coast. For example, the use of living shorelines and other nature-based solutions is helping to stabilize and restore coastal wetlands, while the development of new planting and soil amendment techniques is enabling more successful restoration of inland wetlands.

Strengthening Policy and Funding

Increased Funding: Increasing funding for wetland preservation and restoration efforts on the East Coast is critical for addressing the scale and scope of the challenges facing these ecosystems. This could include increased funding for federal programs such as the National Estuary Program and the Wetlands Reserve Program, as well as increased state and local funding for wetland protection and restoration projects.
Improved Coordination: Improving coordination and collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies and organizations involved in wetland preservation and restoration on the East Coast is also critical for maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of these efforts. This could include the development of regional wetland conservation plans and partnerships, as well as the establishment of wetland mitigation banks and other market-based mechanisms for promoting wetland preservation and restoration.
Strengthened Regulations: Strengthening and enforcing wetland protection regulations at the federal, state, and local levels is also important for reducing the impacts of development and other activities on wetland ecosystems. This could include the expansion of wetland protection laws and regulations to cover a broader range of wetland types and activities, as well as increased enforcement and penalties for violations of these regulations.

Engaging Communities and Stakeholders

Community-Based Conservation: Engaging local communities and stakeholders in wetland preservation and restoration efforts is critical for building support and stewardship for these ecosystems. This could include the development of community-based wetland conservation plans and partnerships, as well as the establishment of citizen science and volunteer programs for monitoring and restoring local wetlands.
Environmental Education: Increasing environmental education and outreach efforts focused on the importance and value of wetlands is also important for building public awareness and support for wetland preservation and restoration. This could include the development of wetland education programs and resources for schools and community groups, as well as the establishment of wetland interpretive centers and trails for engaging the public in wetland conservation and stewardship.
Sustainable Economic Development: Promoting sustainable economic development practices that support wetland preservation and restoration is also important for ensuring the long-term health and resilience of these ecosystems. This could include the development of wetland-based tourism and recreation opportunities, as well as the establishment of incentives and certification programs for businesses and industries that adopt wetland-friendly practices.

Conclusion

Wetlands are one of the most important and valuable ecosystems on the East Coast of the United States, providing a wide range of ecological, economic, and social benefits. From supporting biodiversity and water quality to providing flood control and carbon sequestration, wetlands play a critical role in the health and resilience of the region's natural and human communities.

However, wetlands on the East Coast are also facing a range of significant threats and challenges, including development and land use change, pollution and water quality degradation, invasive species, climate change, and sea level rise. These threats are putting the health and resilience of wetland ecosystems at risk, with potentially severe consequences for the species and communities that depend on them.

To address these challenges and protect the vital services that wetlands provide, a range of efforts are underway to preserve and restore wetlands on the East Coast. These efforts include federal and state policies and programs, such as the Clean Water Act and state wetland protection laws, as well as non-profit and community-based initiatives, such as land trusts and citizen science programs.

Despite these efforts, however, there is still much work to be done to ensure the long-term health and resilience of wetlands on the East Coast. This will require continued investment in science and technology, strengthened policy and funding, and increased engagement of communities and stakeholders in wetland preservation and restoration efforts.

Looking to the future, there are many promising opportunities and directions for advancing wetland preservation on the East Coast. These include the use of improved mapping and monitoring technologies, predictive modeling, and restoration techniques to better understand and manage wetland ecosystems, as well as the development of regional wetland conservation plans and partnerships, strengthened wetland protection regulations, and increased funding for wetland preservation and restoration projects.

Ultimately, the success of wetland preservation on the East Coast will depend on the collective efforts and commitment of a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, private landowners, and local communities. By working together to advance science and technology, strengthen policy and funding, and engage communities and stakeholders, we can ensure that the vital services and benefits provided by wetlands are preserved and sustained for generations to come.

It is important to recognize that wetland preservation is not just an environmental issue, but also a social and economic one. Wetlands provide valuable ecosystem services that support local economies and communities, such as fishing, hunting, and tourism, as well as flood control and water quality protection that can save lives and property. In addition, wetlands are often of great cultural and spiritual significance to indigenous and local communities, who have long relied on these ecosystems for food, medicine, and other resources.

Therefore, it is essential that wetland preservation efforts on the East Coast are inclusive and equitable, and that they engage and benefit all members of the community, particularly those who have been historically marginalized or excluded from conservation and resource management decisions. This will require a commitment to environmental justice and social equity, as well as the development of collaborative and participatory processes that give voice and agency to all stakeholders.

In conclusion, wetland preservation on the East Coast is a critical and urgent challenge that requires the collective efforts and commitment of all members of society. By working together to advance science and technology, strengthen policy and funding, engage communities and stakeholders, and promote social and environmental justice, we can ensure that the vital services and benefits provided by wetlands are preserved and sustained for generations to come.

This will not only benefit the health and resilience of the region's natural and human communities, but also contribute to the broader goals of sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Let us all do our part to protect and restore these invaluable ecosystems, for the sake of our planet and our future.