Tidal marshes: the boundary between land and ocean

Tidal marshes of the United States cover about 13,000 square miles, approximately the combined area of Connecticut and Massachusetts. From a global perspective, marshes form a narrow fringe of intertidal flats along ocean coasts. They are vegetated by a few hardy species, mostly grasses, that have been able to adapt to the unusual stresses of tidal flooding and salt water. Tidal marshes provide feeding and nursery grounds for many commercially important fin and shellfish. Sport fishermen, as well as hunters, are attracted to these areas by the plentiful supply of fish, waterfowl, and furbearers. The value of tidal marshes has been recognized by the passage of Presidential Executive Order (E .O. ll990) in 1977, prompting State and Federal agencies to minimize impacts or alterations in wetlands. The purpose of this brochure is to provide an overview of the ecology of tidal marshes along the Gulf coast of the United States, factors affecting them, and their value.