Hiking NB

From the Sign

Coastal Salt Marshes of the Maritimes

Salt marshes are coastal wetlands, found in protected bays and estuaries. They appear as grassy meadows, interspersed with numerous creeks and ponds. They are subject to frequent flooding by the tides.

Maritime salt marshes, like Daly Point and Carron Point salt marshes, are responsible for storing, transforming and exporting nutrients. Green plants supply food for the plant-eating organisms which in turn are eaten by the flesh-eating organisms. Decaying plant and animal matter is broken down by bacteria and is washed out to sea by the tides where it becomes an important part of the marine food chain. Waterfowl, shorebirds, waders, songbirds and birds of prey use the salt marsh and associated habitat for breading, feeding and resting.

In the Maritime Provinces 65% of salt marshes have been altered or destroyed by agriculture, residential development, commercial development or road construction. Salt marshes are threatened by sewage and industrial discharge and easily scarred by the use of all terrain vehicles.

The past and present loss of salt marsh acreage makes any degradation or alteration of these habitats from their natural role in the marine ecosystem a cause for concern and we must promote their wise stewardship.