Salt marshes are numerous throughout Atlantic Canada. In Prince Edward Island they are located on the Hillsborough River. In Nova Scotia salt marshes are found in the upper Bay of Fundy, Minas Basin and Chignecto Bay. In New Brunswick, salt marshes are found along most of the coast. Unfortunately, this negative view of salt marshes clouds our vision of the vital role they play in the coastal zone of Atlantic Canada.
Salt marshes are some of the most productive ecosystems along the coast.
They provide shelter for plants and animals. Salt marshes are an important nursery area for some fish, and are used by many other species for feeding and resting. Because of their bad reputation, salt marshes are the ecosystems most in danger of disappearing. Sixty-five percent of all the salt marshes in Atlantic Canada have been altered or destroyed for housing development, and road construction or diked for farming. The health of salt marshes is not only important for the integrity of the coastal zone, but for the survival of a large amount of animal and plant species.