Coastal saltmarsh is a unique ecological community of low growing, salt tolerant plants that dominates the upper intertidal flats of estuaries and lagoons. It is one of the main interrelated coastal and estuarine ecosystems along with mangroves, seagrass meadows and swamp forests.

Some of the main species that occur in saltmarsh are Juncus krausii (Sea Rush), Samolus repens (Creeping Brookweed), Suaeda australis (Austral Seablite), Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Samphire), and Sporobolus virginicus (Saltwater Couch).

Saltmarsh is listed as an Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) in NSW under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.  Saltmarsh communities have declined by up to 80% hence they are at risk of extinction. In NSW, there has been a loss of 50% since the arrival of Europeans. A total of 31% of saltmarsh communities are protected in conservation reserves like National Parks. The other saltmarsh communities occur in populated coastal areas, and face threats from human activities.

 

Why We Need Saltmarsh

Saltmarsh is a vital habitat to ensure a healthy river system – the ecological community improves water quality, stabilises riverbanks, and is a habitat and food source for fish. It’s a critical buffer system between the fresh river water and salty ocean water, and one of few habitats that can survive the coastal salty soils. Along with mangroves, they protect our coast by reducing erosion and damage from storms. 

Bigger picture, saltmarsh and mangroves are hugely important for sequestration of carbon dioxide. They also support healthy fisheries, as a nursery and refuge for fish, shrimp, crabs and more. 

 

Threats

• Coastal development, which includes building roads, bridges, canals and marinas
• Poor water quality due to run-off from land clearing, overgrazing, stormwater and agriculture
• Grazing animals
• Weeds
• Pollution and accidental spills
• Climate change induced sea level rise
• Human use
• Illegal dumping of green waste
• Invasion by pest species
• Encroachment (from neighbouring properties) 

Ways You Can Help Saltmarsh

• Reducing your carbon footprint
• Buying sustainable and responsibly sourced seafood
• Joining coast care groups in your area
• Working to improve water quality
• Establishing and maintaining buffer zones between coastal habitats and urban developments in their proximities
• Prioritising the protection of areas where saltmarsh and other coastal habitats are likely to retreat with sea level rise
• Fencing along the intertidal zone to prevent access of livestock
• Assist with saltmarsh assessment and monitoring (Join Ozfish to monitor saltmarsh)
• Join a community cleanup 
• Avoid walking or driving on saltmarsh
• Join Coast Care or Land Care groups in weed removal and/or planting days

Learn More

Here’s a useful link for identification – Coastal Saltmarsh

 

How You Can Help

Join Ozfish to protect and improve the last remnants of saltmarsh on the Richmond River – Ozfish: Saving Our Saltmarsh