Shoreline Erosion

Because of their position on the landscape, wetlands at the margins of lakes, rivers, bays, and the ocean help protect shorelines and stream banks against erosion. Wetland plants hold the soil in place with their roots, absorb the energy of waves, and break up the flow of stream or river currents. The ability of wetlands to control erosion is so valuable that some states (e.g., Florida) are restoring wetlands in coastal areas to buffer the storm surges from hurricanes and tropical storms by dissipating wave energy before it impacts roads, houses, and other man-made structures.