Coastal salt and brackish marsh ecosystems have been reduced to less than 50% of their historical global range and are being lost at a rate of 1-2% each year. Oil spills, development, and sea level rise remain key threats to these ecosystems and the benefits that they provide to us all.
Flood ControlThese ecosystems capture floodwaters and release them slowly. This lessens the impact of floods on surrounding communities.
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Water Quality ImprovementCoastal marsh ecosystems improve water quality by filtering out excess nutrients, pollutants, and pathogens.
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Carbon StorageCoastal salt and brackish marshes act as carbon sinks by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their leaves, stems, and roots, as well as in the sediment.
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Symbols for diagrams courtesy of the Integration and Application Network