The plants and animals in the salt marsh all have there own ways of being and probably won't be found in all waters because they have adapted to the salt and fresh water mixed together. They all are like other plants that you find in the water but are yet very different.

There are many great reasons why we should protect our Salt marshes, for instance, they protect the river banks from soil erosion and act like nurseries for small fish and prawns and other smaller animals. So as you may see the importance of the salt marsh is high and we all need to help protect it.

Salt marshes may be formed behind a spit. The zone behind a spit becomes a sheltered area. Water movement slows down and so more material is deposited. Deposition may form a salt marsh.

Massachusetts, the North Shore's Great Marsh is the largest continuous stretch of Salt Marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. The Great Marsh includes over 20,000 acres of marsh, barrier beach, tidal river, estuary, mudflat, and upland islands High bacterial counts from poorly functioning septic systems. Pet waste and livestock- and horse-pasture manure piles contaminate waterways and shellfish beds. Invasive wetland plants are widespread Erosion of salt marsh banks due to speed boats and jet skies

Biodiversity The dunes are a home for many different species of: reptiles, amphibians, bees/wasps, Moths and plants.

 It acts as a natural barrier against storms and destructive waves. Protecting houses and cottages that may be inland.  Home for many plants and animals, that attract tourist bringing greater income to the community.  Without them the beaches would erode much quicker.

Sefton Coast, Merseyside This dynamic dune system around Liverpool Bay is the largest in England, supporting species like the natter jack toad and sand lizards.