Tidal Marsh

Expanses of salt-tolerant grasses and winding creeks give marshes an open, distinctive look. However, life in coastal marshes is challenging because changing tides constantly alter water and salinity levels. Few plant and animal species are adapted to this habitat. Visitors will discover why the tidal marsh is an important ecosystem and learn about the specialized adaptations needed to survive them. Jeff Gage photo

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FOCUS ON: The Role of Tidal Marshes

Tidal marshes often are thought of as inhospitable places with little value; however, these very important habitats provide:

• Habitat for a rich variety of animals and plants

• Entrapment of sediments and pollutants

• Habitat for valuable seafood species

• Protection against storms.

The abundance of plant life in tidal marshes provides abundant food and cover for many of Florida’s seafood species, such as oysters, mullet, shrimp, and blue crabs.

Coastal marshes are challenging environments. Tides flood the marsh daily. As the tides rise and fall, animals and plants must tolerate immersion in saltwater or exposure to air, as well as changes in salinity and temperature. Plants and animals live where they are best adapted to survive. In tidal marshes, plants typically grow in distinct or non-overlapping zones.

Tidal marshes have been impacted negatively by human development. Widespread pesticide use, in an attempt to control mosquitoes, also has disturbed this fragile ecosystem.