Creation and Restoration of Salt Marshes for Fishery Species

Research on salt marsh creation at the Galveston Laboratory is closely associated with research on the value and functions of natural marshes. Our ability to create a valuable salt marsh and replace the functions of the marsh for fishery species, depends on the type of functions and how they are provided. Indeed, the evaluation of success in restoration projects depends to some extent on our understanding of the functions being restored. All salt marshes are not the same in functions they provide, and not all fishery species obtain similar benefits from salt marsh habitats. Successful marsh restoration techniques, therefore, should be expected to vary with the fishery species of interest and the location of the marsh.