Coastland Habitat: Salt Marsh  

Salt marshes are vegetative wetland habitats found in sheltered coastal bays and estuaries. They generally develop between the mid neap and high spring tides levels, over waterlogged mud, sand, or peat.

The variation in tidal coverage results in two distinctive zones known as a lower salt marsh, covered twice a day by the tide and an upper salt marsh which may only be covered a few times a month by a high tide.

This tidal variation also impacts salinity levels and exposure to the air, creating very diverse vegetative habitats.

In Ireland salt marshes are threatened by grazing of livestock, invasive speices such as cordgrass and coastal development. 

Salt marsh, Culleenamore, Co. Sligo

Salt marsh, Streedagh, Co. Sligo

Salt marsh, Streedagh, Co. Sligo