They are found in the intertidal zone along low-energy coastlines, forming along the margins of estuaries, where freshwater from the land mixes with sea water, and in bays, bayous and sounds. South of Cedar Key mangroves replace salt marshes as the predominant intertidal plants. On the Atlantic coast, salt marshes occur from Daytona Beach northward. Salt marshes are composed of a variety of plants including rushes, sedges and grasses. People can benefit from natural salt marshes in several ways.
Salt marshes provide protected nursery areas for juvenile fishes, shellfish, crabs and shrimp.
These animals are savored as seafood delights when they grow larger and are caught by fisherman, thereby providing food and a source of income for people. Numerous commercially important fish species spend the early part of their lives in salt marshes. Salt marshes provide a home for other animals such as birds, small mammals and turtles. Many people visit salt marshes simply to watch birds and enjoy nature's beauty. The extensive root systems of salt marsh plants enable them to withstand strong winds, waves and flooding from storms, and act as natural buffers against storm damage to upland development.