Center For The Inland Bays

Our Current Initiatives

Developing new knowledge about the complex ecosystems of the Inland Bays watershed is fundamental to restoring and protecting the Bays. To do that the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays initiates and supports focused scientific research and monitoring of ecosystem health.

Sponsorship of research, demonstration projects, and restoration efforts in partnership with local communities, scientists and public and private organizations is critical to meet the goals of the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan, and adapt to developing conservation challenges.

Salt Marsh Dieback

Salt marsh dieback is a serious condition affecting our local environment. A continuing project of the CIB is to study it. This article is our latest work on the subject:

Sudden Wetland Dieback
Sudden Wetland Dieback also called Brown Marsh Syndrome, is when vegetation dies suddenly or unexpectedly fails to grow across large areas of marsh. This phenomenon primarily affects Spartina alterniflora (Saltmarsh Cordgrass) but is also known to affect Spartina patens and Juncus species. Observations of Sudden Wetland Dieback have been reported in the past, but the widespread occurence on the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts of the United States within the past decade is alarming. Rapid death of marsh grass is cause for concern because these plants are the "glue" that holds the sediments and organics together. Without marshgrass, rapid erosion and marsh loss may occur. Saltmarshes are some of our most valuable coastal ecosystems: they provide us food, produce fish and shellfish, provide critical habitat, and protect us from storm surges. Click here to download the February 2007 white paper on SWD.