Some of our most vulnerable and ecologically important coastal habits are made up of coastal wetlands. These wetlands are found between land and sea and have the characteristics of aquatic areas and upland areas and because of this, product flora and fauna rich environments. There are various kinds of coastal wetlands. The classic coastal wetlands are salt marshes and they develop close to the coast because they need daily tidal flooding. Other types of wetlands that fall into this category include barachois, swamps, lagoons, bogs, estuaries, and salt marshes.
Coastal wetlands have many functions. When it comes to water qualities they act like efficient water filters and have been called “the kidneys of the coast.” They are important breeding ground or nurseries for shellfish and other fish. They are an essential habitat for not only fish but also for birds and other wildlife. One of the major advantages is that they reduce the likelihood and the severity of flooding by acting like natural detention areas and they also reduce the erosion of shorelines by acting like buffers from surges and storms. Finally, they provide areas with recreations through water activities like boating as well as bird watching, hunting and fishing. The coast wetlands are a very important part of our environment so it is no wonder that people are fight to keep them active and in good condition and protecting them from over-development.