Comparing the provision of ecosystem services of an anthropogenically modified salt marsh to a natural salt marsh

Abstract

Natural marshes are valued for their biodiversity and ecosystem services. This research quantified the functions of ecosystem services (wave energy dissipation, habitat, primary productivity, blue carbon) of a natural salt marsh in the Acadian Peninsula, New Brunswick, and compared them to those of an anthropogenically modified salt marsh pre-restoration on the Chiasson Office Spit, adjacent to the Shippagan Gully. This is a habitat offsetting project to mitigate unavoidable alterations to Piping Plover <i>(Charadrius melodus)</i> Critical Habitat. Maximum wave heights were measured from August – November 2022, vertical biomass distribution was analyzed using binarized images. Vegetation surveys were carried out and sediment cores were collected for carbon content and soil nutrient analysis. Key findings indicate that seasonal vegetation variability impacts wave energy dissipation, with the natural marsh exhibiting higher annual net primary productivity and greater carbon content than the modified salt marsh. This research provides essential data for coastal restoration and protection strategies.