Saltmarsh

Saltmarsh - Do you have it in your backyard?

Many people do not recognise areas of saltmarsh, particularly along our coastal fringe in north-west Tasmania. Saltmarsh wetlands are unique habitats where salt-tolerant plants such as succulents, herbs, grasses and low shrubs grow. They are areas that are flooded regularly or occasionally.

Coastal saltmarsh is listed as a Threatened Ecological Community under federal legislation.

Tasmanian coastal saltmarshes occupy the shallow upper intertidal areas starting below the mean high-water mark and extend inland to the extent of storm tide flooding. The low saltmarsh areas are dominated by glasswort ( or Sarcocornia spp Tecticornia arbuscula), grasses and rushes. Mid marshes are mainly shrubs often mixed with sedges. The high marsh is dominated by grasses and bordered by swamp forest.

Low saltmarsh area dominated by glasswort and grasses. From the mid marsh to the fringe vegetation of shrubs and paperbark swamp forest in the high marsh area.

Coastal saltmarsh provides a nursery for many fish species, it provides a buffer against wave energy, provides protection from floods and storms, and both saltmarsh and sea grass habitats hold vast amounts of carbon.

Threats to saltmarsh include drainage works such as levee banks and paddock drains, weed invasion particularly from weeds like Rice Grass, rubbish dumping and washed up marine debris, livestock grazing and trampling, nutrient run-off and off-road vehicles.

Cradle Coast Authority NRM is currently running a saltmarsh project in the Circular Head area. The project involves providing funding to the Circular Head Landcare Group to undertake Rice Grass control, and working with landholders who have saltmarsh on their privately-owned land to protect and enhance this valuable ecosystem.

So next time you are wandering along the shoreline, keep an eye out for those unique coastal saltmarsh plants.