Many endangered and threatened species require occasional use of a salt marsh. Some use salt tolerant vegetation, others require mangroves, and others require open water within the habitat. The Space Center was once home to the now extinct dusky seaside sparrow. Impoundment has also reduced population levels of the black rail. Human encroachment in the form of impoundment, highway construction and fires all contributed to the population declines of these species.
Birds are still common in impoundment areas.
The fish that live in these coastal areas are common food for many birds. Wood storks, reddish egrets, roseate spoonbills, and eight other wading birds are found in impounded areas. Bigger birds, such as the southern bald eagle, are attracted to these areas because of seasonally abundant prey. Water levels tend to be highest during winter. These high water periods are followed by a spring drawdown that concentrates food items for nesting wading birds.