There are many reasons why we should be concerned about the condition (or health) of wetlands and be advocates for their protection. Wetlands provide critical habitat to a great diversity of plants, invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals. Wetlands serve as nursery grounds for many economically important fish and shellfish such as crabs, mussels, and clams. Wetlands help fuel food webs by exporting nutrients to other aquatic environments. Wetlands protect shorelines from storm damage by dispersing wave and tidal energy, and help to purify water by assimilating potential pollutants.

Despite their ecological and economic importance, wetlands are continually being harmed and degraded by human activities. Over the last three centuries, vast amounts of wetlands have been ditched, drained, and filled for urban, residential, and agricultural purposes. Placement of fill, draining and other hydrologic alterations, and direct and indirect sources of pollution continue to adversely affect New England wetlands.

Throughout much of the history of wetland protection and management in the United States, the status of wetlands was measured by quantity not quality. But measurements and estimates of wetland acreage do not directly address questions of wetland quality-their condition and integrity. Assessing wetland condition is a key task in working toward the goals of the Clean Water Act -- "to maintain and restore the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of our Nation's waters." In addition, the assessment of wetland condition can be an integral factor for determining the success of wetland restoration and creation projects, and is essential for the long-term development of water quality standards and criteria for wetlands.

Wetland assessments are based on the premise that the communities of plants and animals living in a wetland will reflect the health of that wetland. When a wetland is degraded, the diversity of animals and plants often decreases and the composition of species changes. Typically, the organisms that are sensitive to human disturbances decrease, and organisms that are more tolerant to the disturbance make up a larger proportion of the individuals.

Wetland Assessment Projects

Estuarine Marsh Trends Phase 1: Boston Harbor, Cape Cod, and the Islands

1999-2004: Cape Cod Salt Marsh Assessment Project

1998-1999: North Shore Wetland Assessment Project

1995-1997: Waquoit Bay Wetland Assessment Project

Background

New England Wetlands: Ecology, Functions, and Degradation