The salt marshes around Charleston, South Carolina have undergone significant ecological, geographical, and human-driven changes since World War II. Here’s a summary of the most important developments:
1. Urbanization and Development
- Post-WWII Boom: After WWII, Charleston saw increased suburbanization, tourism, and port activity. As a result, marshlands were drained or filled for housing developments, roads, and commercial infrastructure.
- Loss of Marsh Area: Significant portions of salt marsh have been lost or fragmented due to construction and land reclamation projects.
2. Sea Level Rise and Climate Change
- Accelerating Sea Levels: Charleston has experienced one of the fastest rates of sea level rise on the U.S. East Coast—over 1 foot since the 1950s.
- Impact on Marsh Dynamics: Higher sea levels are drowning low-lying marsh areas and altering the balance between high and low marsh zones, changing plant and animal communities.
3. Pollution and Water Quality
- Industrial and Agricultural Runoff: Increased use of fertilizers and urban waste runoff have led to nutrient loading (eutrophication), which degrades water quality and harms sensitive marsh vegetation.
- Conservation Response: Regulations under the Clean Water Act and local efforts by groups like the Coastal Conservation League have helped curb the worst pollution.
4. Invasive Species
- Spartina alterniflora Dominance: While native to the region, changes in hydrology and disturbance have allowed this cordgrass to spread and dominate, sometimes reducing biodiversity.
- Periwinkle Snails & Fungal Pathogens: Shifts in predator-prey dynamics and climate stress have caused some population booms of species that can degrade marsh vegetation.
5. Restoration and Conservation Efforts
- Protected Areas Expansion: Since the 1970s, parts of the Charleston marsh ecosystem have been protected through state parks, wildlife refuges, and private conservation easements.
- Living Shorelines: Recent trends promote “living shoreline” projects using oysters, marsh grass, and natural barriers rather than bulkheads and seawalls to protect against erosion and storm surge.
- Research and Monitoring: Institutions like the South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium and NOAA’s Hollings Marine Lab conduct ongoing monitoring of salt marsh health and resilience.
6. Cultural and Historical Shifts
- Gullah-Geechee Heritage: Many historic Gullah-Geechee communities near the salt marshes have been displaced due to development and rising property values, impacting traditional land-use practices tied to marsh ecosystems.
- Public Awareness and Education: There’s greater awareness today of the ecological value of marshes as buffers against storms, nurseries for marine life, and carbon sinks.