Salt Marsh Wetland Ecosystem

Salt marsh wetlands are important for many reasons. Wetland habitats contain a large variety of plant and animal species at various stages of life, making them zones of high biodiversity. Many fish species spend the early part of their lives in salt marshes where they are protected from predators. Animals hide from predators in marsh vegetation because the shallow brackish area physically excludes larger fish. Marshes are also critical habitats for many wintering waterfowl that feed on young fish. They are rare because they are highly vulnerable to a range of disturbance factors. The marsh wetland area of Walker Hook consists of a large meadow of salicornia virginica (red listed). There are also many red and blue listed animal species within this ecosystem type including graceful arrow grass (Triglochin concinnum), Henderson's checkermallow (Sidalcea hendersonii), beach sand-spurry (Spergularia macrotheca), and fleshy juamea (Juamea carnosa).¹

The lower portions of the tideflat and shallow subtidal areas at Walker Hook are also considered wetlands, and beds of eelgrass (Zostera marina) occur in this area. Eelgrass beds are the single most important spawning habitat for BC herring and also provide a sheltered and stable breeding ground for approximately 60 other species of fish in this region support. These habitats are an important spring and summer nursery ground for many juvenile fish. Thus, eel grass is a "keystone" species, providing critical habitat and resources for marine invertebrates, fish, and birds.