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 Table
courtesy of Chris Bason of the Center for Inland Bays |
Sudden
wetland dieback (SWD) was documented in Delaware's Inland Bays in
2006, and is now found throughout the area. SWD is
characterized by rapid death or failure of saltmarsh vegetation to
grow within a single or multiple growing season(s).
Sudden wetland dieback has mainly impacted saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina
alterniflora) and appears as brown vegetation. Eventually the
mudflats that usually support the plants become exposed. Rapid
death of marsh grasses is cause for concern because these plants
help hold sediments and organic materials together. Without
living plant communities, rapid erosion and marsh losses can occur.
Tidal marshes are among our most productive ecosystems, providing a
wide range of ecosystem services, including nursery habitat for
fish, wildlife habitat, recreational activities, shoreline
protection, and carbon sequestration.
We are still in the process of learning
just how widespread sudden wetland dieback is becoming in Delaware,
and we need your help in identifying more locations where it is
occurring. Please use this section of our website to learn
more about SWD and what you can do to help us in our efforts to
protect the health and functions of our coastal wetlands. 
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