Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has protected two salt marshes on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Melbourne Lake and McLean’s Lake Salt Marshes are both located near provincial parks, wilderness areas and bird sanctuaries in an area that has lost 60% of its salt marshes to development.
Salt marshes play a key role in blue carbon sequestration, as well as protecting cities and towns from coastal flooding by absorbing water during storm surges, and providing buffers between the sea and homes and businesses. They also play a key role in the food web.
As sea levels rise and the ocean creeps inland, DUC said, salt marsh vegetation must move with it or be lost. The challenge is how to protect them in situ and give them the space to migrate inland in some of the most sought-after locations on Nova Scotia’s coastlines. DUC is trying to open dialogue with coastal landowners who might be seeking to sell their properties
“These salt marshes not only provide habitat for migrating waterfowl but also support a diverse array of wildlife and act as natural barriers to protect our coasts against the impact of storm surges,” says Jana Cheverie, Head of Conservation Programs with DUC in Atlantic Canada. “Protecting these habitats helps ensure the resilience of Nova Scotia’s coastline and preserves a vital ecosystem that is important for many species.”
