Photo Credit: Coastal Georgia – Georgia Conservancy

South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative (SASMI)

The United States has about 3.8 million acres of salt marshes, with a significant 1 million acres stretching from North Carolina to Florida. These tidal wetlands are crucial for filtering pollutants and providing habitats for species such as oyster reefs and seagrass beds. Their degradation has an adverse impact on the surrounding environment and marine life. Salt marshes can absorb floodwaters and wave energy during storms, reducing property damage by up to 20%. One acre can hold up to 1.5 million gallons of floodwater, equivalent to 2.25 Olympic-sized swimming pools. They also improve water quality and sequester carbon at a rate significantly higher than mature tropical forests. However, rising sea levels may lead to the loss of 14% to 34% of these marshes along the South Atlantic by 2060. Additionally, they provide crucial nursery grounds for over 75% of the country’s commercial and recreational fish species. The South Atlantic Salt Marsh Initiative (SASMI) seeks to protect and restore approximately 1 million acres of salt marshes along the South Atlantic coast without relying on regulations. The SASMI Plan, informed by two years of research, emphasizes a customized approach to address the varying challenges faced by Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this vital resource.