Preparing Tidal Freshwater Wetlands for Climate Change-Act Now or You May Lose the Chance

摘要

Tidal freshwater wetlands are a globally rare wetland type, occurring in the upper reaches of estuaries where oceanic tides influence the height and flow direction of freshwater delivered from upriver. These ecosystems provide important habitat for fishes, invertebrates, birds, and mammals. They have also been documented to improve water quality and provide storm protection benefits. Given their inland location, tidal freshwater wetlands are subject to shoreline hardening, active filling, exotic/invasive species, and polluted runoff and discharge waters. Desirable ecological functions provided by these wetlands will be further compromised by climate change.