Coastal Wetlands

Coastal wetlands comprise some of our most ecologically important and vulnerable coastal habitats. Coastal wetlands are found in the 'transition zone' between land and sea, having both upland and aquatic characteristics. As a result, they are extremely productive ecosystems and often have a richer flora and fauna than other environments.

There are many different kinds of coastal wetlands including salt marshes, estuaries, barachois, mudflats, swamps, bogs and lagoons. Salt marshes are the classic coastal wetland since they only develop along the coast because they require daily tidal flooding. Other types of freshwater wetlands that we consider coastal wetlands in our campaign work are found in coastal areas and face many of the same threats and serve many of the same important ecological functions as salt marshes.

Some of the most important functions of coastal wetlands include:

• Water quality: wetlands act like the “kidneys of the coast” and are one of nature’s most efficient water filters
• Nurseries: they are important nursery areas for fish and shellfish
• Wildlife habitat: they provide an important food base for marine and terrestrial environments and are essential habitat for many fish, birds and other wildlife
• Flood buffers: they act as natural detention areas, reducing the severity of flooding
• Erosion control: they act as buffers from storms and surges, reducing shoreline erosion
• Recreation: they provide areas for fishing, hunting and bird-watching, as well as boating, kayaking and other forms of recreation

Human activities such as agriculture, road construction, infilling, and industrial and residential development are major threats to coastal wetlands. A large percentage of Nova Scotia’s coastal landscapes have already been altered or destroyed, eliminating habitat for wildlife, vital ecological functions these ecosystems provide, as well as their substantial economic contribution to coastal communities (shellfish industries, ecotourism etc.).

Protecting, restoring, and raising awareness about the beauty and significance of Nova Scotia's coastal wetlands is important and a major part of CIC’s role. Our previous work focused primarily on salt marshes and tidal river restoration. Past projects include the Cheverie Creek salt marsh restoration project and Bay of Fundy Tidal Barrier Audits.

Our current focus is improved protection for coastal wetlands within the context of better coastal planning and management. We emphasize strengthening Nova Scotia’s provincial wetland policies and their implementation and enforcement, supporting specific local wetland issues, and education and awareness building.