4.6. Importance of Wetlands

- All wetlands discussed in this section are important because they store carbon (decayed plant material) which otherwise might be released to the atmosphere as greenhouse gases.

- Wetlands act as filtration systems, absorbing pollutants like heavy metals and other toxic substances so that they don't get into the rivers and streams. There are, however, limits to how many pollutants any particular system can tolerate. If overloaded for a prolonged period of time, wetland habitats will degrade.

- Wetlands contain important records of climate and vegetation change. Scientists have been able to study pollen trapped for thousands of years in the bottoms of some bogs. The profiles of these pollens offer important information about our past.

- Bogs and fens in Nova Scotia often contain examples of rare and unusual plants.

- Many wild animals use the edges of wetland areas because they adjoin another habitat. Being on the edge of two habitats gives animals more choices for food and shelter.

- Wetlands can be important in flood control. Bogs, especially, absorb large quantities of rain, which they release slowly throughout drier seasons.

- Marshes are used extensively by waterfowl for nesting and feeding.

- Coastal marshes protect shorelines from erosion.

- Coastal marshes and marshes near streams provide food and shelter for numerous fish.

- Fish are not found in bogs and fens, however these areas can help stabilize water and temperature levels, which in turn improve river and stream quality in the area.

- The organic acids produced in bogs, fens, and marshes are very important in areas with acid-rain problems. These organic acids bind to heavy metals released by the inorganic acids in the rain, reducing their toxic levels.