There are also vast areas of brackish marsh in Back Bay and North Landing Rivers. These wetlands are an important part of Va Beach' s unique natural legacy. The North Landing River alone is known to harbor 35 rare plants and three rare animal species. Most of the recreational and commercially important fish depend upon wetlands for food and reproduction. All of the migratory waterfowl, so tightly linked to the cultural heritage of the city, depend on wetlands.
Wetlands serve numerous other important functions in the natural system.
They maintain the fundamental water balance in our estuaries by providing flood storage. They mediate water quality impacts of pollution from both point and nonpoint sources. They also buffer shoreline from erosion. Wetlands in Va Beach are so valuable to the ecosystem that they are being protected and where practical restored. The City has many programs to protect wetlands.