Julia ZhouSalt Marsh Islands in Jamaica Bay Tidal salt marshes provide a vital contribution to the Jamaica Bay ecosystem. Wetlands aid spawning processes and are primary nurseries for species important to both recreational and commercial uses, providing protection from storm surges and also removing pollutants and other toxic substances, which consequently act as a natural filter, improving the quality of the water in the bay. Salt marshes are low-lying grasslands that are periodically overwhelmed and drained by high tides. Fish and shellfish hatcheries are also a feeding place for various species of wildlife in the ecosystem. They support a variety of invertebrates such as mussels, shrimp, oysters and horseshoe crabs which are key elements of the estuarine ecosystem. However, in recent decades, the salt marshes of Jamaica Bay have declined significantly, which has created a huge negative impact on the general public in addition to the deterioration of living habitats in the area. Many factors contribute to the decline, such as sediment depletion, nearby settlements, increased tidal ranges, and especially nitrogen loading from untreated wastewater. While the damage done was unintentional, most of it occurred due to negligence. As awareness has increased, recovery efforts have increased and various groups have responded well to mitigate losses. First, we must gain a general understanding of the structure and functions of salt marshes in Jamaica Bay. Salt marshes most commonly manifest themselves through the arrival of seedlings of the rope grass known as Spartina alterniflora. The grass spreads asexually through aquatic habitats beneath the earth's surface. Weed becomes...... middle of paper......priceless. Whether through public awareness or policy implementation, the ultimate goal is to provide sustainability for future generations. Sources: - http://www.imms.org/downloads/brochure/IMMS_TidalMarshPlants_Brochure_trifold-final.pdf - http:/ /www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/state-pumps-money-salt-marsh-restoration -jamaica-bay-article-1.1317437- http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/state -pumps-money-salt-marsh-restoration-jamaica-bay-article-1.1317437- http://www .nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/jamaica-bay-salt-marsh-island-rebuilt-army-corps -engineers-19-million-project-article-1.1059853- http://www.nydailynews.com/new -york/queens/jamaica-bay-salt-marsh-island-rebuilt-army-corps-engineers-19-million -project-article-1.1059853- http://www.nps.gov/gate/naturescience/marshrestoration.htm