Wetlands, once thought to be “wastelands,” are now understood to be a vital part of our ecosystems. Although about one half of our nation’s wetlands have been lost, we are now trying to conserve the precious wetlands that remain. Wetlands provide many important functions. They provide protection from storms and are homes to numerous plants and animals, including marine species that support the fisheries industry.

Coastal wetlands are found along the Atlantic, Pacific, Alaskan and Gulf coasts, as well as the Caribbean Islands. They are closely linked to our nation's estuaries, where seawater mixes with fresh water to form an environment of varying salinities. The salt water and the fluctuating water levels (due to tidal action) combine to create a rather difficult environment for most plants to live and thrive.

Consequently, many shallow coastal areas are un-vegetated mud flats or sand flats. Some plants, however, have successfully adapted to this environment. Certain grasses and grass-like plants that adapt to the saline conditions form the tidal salt marshes that are found along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts. Mangrove swamps, with salt-loving shrubs or trees, are common in tropical climates. Some tidal freshwater wetlands form beyond the upper edges of tidal salt marshes, where the influence of salt water ends (adapted from the EPA).

Wetlands are found on all three islands and many cays of the US Virgin Islands. Although a relatively small percentage of the Territory’s total land area (1,684 acres), mangroves, salt ponds and mud flats are often as biologically diverse as rainforests.

Jointly and individually, DPNR/DEP programs work to protect wetlands by creating a wetlands inventory and maps, by limiting construction or clearing of wetlands, by monitoring water quality as part of the WPC Program and by managing discharges into the near-shore and marine environment through the TPDES and NPS Programs. DPNR/DEP works closely with the EPA, the US and VI Departments of Fish & Wildlife, the UVI and other agencies to protect our wetlands.