Kari Losen

Outline for Technical Briefing

Introduction: The purpose is to focus on the effects of marsh degradation, the
components that have affected the degradation of marshes, and the best way to
sustain the declining marsh ecosystems.
1. Problem: Over hundreds of years, wetlands, specifically marshes, have declined,
whether its degradation had to do with human or environmental impacts.

Human impacts: Pollution ( Oil Spills such as 2010 spill ~ 4.9 billion
barrels released into Gulf of Mexico, damaged habitats and $10 billion
in revenue for fishery and tourism); Draining for construction (i.e.
agriculture, commercial and residential development, road
construction, waste, mosquito control and etc.)
Environmental impacts: Climate change (directly correlated with
human pollution global warming), lack of water, erosion, introduced
species.

Solution: Studies show that engineering revegetation is capable of reestablishing

certain plants, which in turn could encourage the regrowth of plants and animals.
Example: The New England salt marsh degradation is a concerning factor, and they
practice revegetation of cordgrass, which in turn prevents bank erosion. This
engineered revegetation is called Feedback, which life begins to thrive again.

2. Argument: Degradation of marshes will greatly affect many species, including

humans since we rely daily on the functions of marshes.

EX: Fisheries and wildlife habitats; Flood Control; Filters pollution (Moderate
water flow, provides time for sediments to settle which produces clearer
waters and better environment for aquatic life); Income; prevents shore
erosion

Why resolve problem?: The resolution of this problem will sustain all different types
of organisms and the ecosystem as a whole, and help maintain somewhat of an
equilibrium between development and the environment.
3. Argument: To regenerate the dying ecosystem, revegetation is a necessary
approach to the revitalization of marsh life because it will sustain the organisms
living in that environment, and maintain the contributions marshes supply in
everyday life.
Counter argument: The cost of revegetation is extremely high. Would require many
volunteers. Invasive species could affect the revegetation effort. Would take years
to see any immediate changes, and naturally when people dont notice immediate
changes they lose hope.
4. Conclusion:

Kari Losen

Revegetation is an essential way to help regenerate the declining marsh

ecosystems.
The components that have affected marsh degradation are various
There needs to be a change in the way development over marsh lands
should be handled, especially by considering the consequences of destroying
these habitats