SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- A bleak future may be in store for San Francisco Bay's tidal marshes under high-end sea-level rise scenarios that are increasingly likely, researchers say.
A study led by Point Reyes Bird Observatory Conservation Science found in the worst case scenario 93 percent of the bay's tidal marshes could be lost in the next 50-100 years with 5.4 feet of sea-level rise.
"Tidal marshes are incredibly resilient to changes in sea level, depending on how fast seas rise and how much sediment is available," said Diana Stralberg of the University of Alberta and the study lead author for PRBO said.
"Unfortunately, marshes cannot keep up with the high-end sea-level rise predictions on their own. They will need our help."
Society's actions today, including restoration currently under way, can keep more marshes intact as sea levels rise, the study said.
Tidal marshes are vital to migratory birds, commercial fisheries, and other wildlife and people.
The act like giant sponges, reducing flood impacts in large storm events and as sea levels rise. Tidal marshes also filter out pollutants and sequester carbon, the study said.
