Freshwater swamp forests, or flooded forests, are forests which are inundated with freshwater, either permanently or seasonally.They normally occur along the lower reaches of rivers and around freshwater lakes.Freshwater swamp forests are found in a range of climate zones, from boreal through temperate and subtropical to tropical.. Alstonia Island is named after the dominant tree species, Alstoniaspatulata, planted on the island.Commonly known as Marsh Pulai, this species has adapted to survive and grow in areas that are constantly flooded. This paper reviews the types, extent, biodiversity and ecology of freshwater wetlands in the region, and documents the main threats to wetland ecosystems. In this study, we have re-estimated the 2011 global monetary values of natural wetland ecosystem services using new information on the areas of different coastal and inland wetland classes, and included estimates for forested wetlands. They generate 32% of the world's net primary production. These ecosystems provide hunters with significant recreational opportunities of economic importance (Batt et al. Bioremediation of groundwater often benefits from injecting microbial assemblages into contaminated sites and encouraging bacterial growth with nutrient additions (Ghiorse & Wilson 1988; Baker & Herson 1994). Understanding natural processes that contribute to ecosystem services is of immediate concern given the rates at which human activities are altering natural fresh waters. 0000014577 00000 n
The total wild berry harvest in Finland can be as high as 109 kg per season for a market value of more than US$240,000 (Wal-lenius 1999). 1989). The draining of wetlands and other threats to freshwater ecosystems have given rise to local and regional programs aimed at reducing their loss and restoring them to natural levels of diversity (Zedler 2000; Mayer & Galatowitsch 2001). Freshwater swamp forests are wetland ecosystems of global importance, especially because they provide very valuable ecosystem services such as regulation of flood and maintenance of water quality, and provide suitable habitat for the conservation of wetland ecosystems (flora and fauna). The relative importance of services varies across the different freshwater ecosystems. Alligators are also harvested for their pelts and meat, generating over US$16 million in a single year in the state of Louisiana, USA (Mitsch & Gosselink 2000). Benthic organisms shred coarse sizes of organic matter into finer particles. Peatlands cover 420 million ha globally, with the most extensive habitats located in Russia and Canada. 0000003511 00000 n
Let's look at the swamps of the southeastern USA. 0000010591 00000 n
These constructed wetlands for "mitigation banking" can provide some ecosystem services, but often lack the biodiversity as well as the hydrologic regime that characterize natural ecosystems. Moreover, these benthic ecosystems provide critical habitat for many other species.
The multifunctional nature of wetlands has been conceptualised in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment’s ‘wetland ecosystem services’, which stresses how they contribute to human well-being and poverty alleviation. Many occur in pristine, unmanaged habitats where low levels of nutrients and high concentrations of dissolved oxygen are sustained by a diverse assemblage of plants and animals. 2002). The role of wetlands in either cooling or warming the climate is analyzed as the net balance between carbon sequestration and emissions of methane and nitrous oxide. 0000006316 00000 n
emphasized the importance of wetlands for provision of ecosystem services and importance of . Wetlands are valuable ecosystems. Freshwater swamp forests are wetland ecosystems of global importance, especially because they provide very valuable ecosystem services such as regulation of flood and maintenance of water quality, and provide suitable habitat for the conservation of wetland ecosystems (flora and fauna). 0000043540 00000 n
Alligator are consumers. 0000000877 00000 n
The ability of wetlands to process wastes effectively depends on the rates of nitrogen, iron, manganese, sulfur, and carbon transformations that occur under increasingly low oxygen conditions in the sediments. Recently, efforts have been made to assign a dollar value to the ecological services provided to society by wetlands. We provide hydrographic surveying services to clients seeking assistance with underwater site investigation, sediment investigations, and dredge/fill operations to improve the success of critical projects. Microbial remediation of contaminated groundwater is another ecosystem service provided by sediment-dwelling organisms. Swamps are characterized by their saturated soils and slow-moving waters. Besides natural waste treatment that enhances water quality, many freshwater ecosystems are critical habitats for certain life stages of marine and freshwater fishes, waterfowl, and other sources of human foods. Cultural Services. 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Sea Level Rise and Salt water Intrusion on tidal freshwater Marsh Stability a variety of sources precipitation.