100,000 Acres of Tidal Wetlands for a Healthy Bay
Wetlands are the lungs of the Bay, giving life to hundreds of fish and wildlife species that depend on them for survival and billions of small organisms that thrive in Bay mud to form the base of the food chain. In addition to providing vital habitat for fish and wildlife, wetlands provide major benefits to the community:
- Clean water
- Economic benefits
- Captures greenhouse gasses
- Flood and erosion control
Since the Gold Rush, 90 percent of the Bay's wetlands have been destroyed for development and agriculture. In 1999, in the Baylands Ecosystem Habitat Goals scientists determined that 100,000 acres of tidal wetlands is necessary for a healthy and sustainable Bay. Today, the ambitious 100,000 acre goal is actually in sight.
- 44,000 acres of healthy tidal marsh exist today
- 32,000 acres of restorable shoreline areas have been acquired and are being planned for restoration, including the South Bay Salt Pond Project, Bair Island, Hamilton Field and others areas.
- 24,000 acres of restorable wetlands need to be protected for restoration.
Save The Bay is focusing on two major areas to ensure we reach this goal.
Learn more about our efforts to raise dedicated funding for wetland restoration and our on-the-ground restoration projects.