Introduction

• Salt marshes are coastal wetlands dominated by salt-tolerant plants, acting as natural barriers between land and sea.

Role in Coastal Protection

• Wave attenuation: Vegetation reduces wave height + energy.
• Coastal protection: Buffers storm surges, flooding + erosion.
• Sediment stabilisation: Roots bind sediments and stabilise shorelines.
• Biodiversity: Provide habitats and support coastal food webs.
• Climate resilience: Help coastal areas adapt to sea-level rise and extreme storms.

Challenges

• Climate change + rising sea levels.
• Aquaculture expansion and habitat destruction.
• Coastal construction and land-use changes.
• Reduced effectiveness during very high waves.

Way Forward

• Protect existing salt marsh habitats through coastal zone regulation.
• Restore degraded marshes using native, flexible plant species.
• Regulate aquaculture and coastal development.
• Integrate salt marsh conservation into disaster management and climate adaptation plans.
• Promote scientific monitoring and community participation.

Conclusion

Salt marshes are nature-based coastal defences. Their conservation, alongside engineered infrastructure, is essential for biodiversity and coastal resilience.