For Immediate Release
August 22, 2000
Contact: LA Governor's Office of Coastal Activities, Dr. Len Bahr, 225-342-3968

Marsh Die-off Working Group Wants Long Hard Look at Problem

The state is facing another critical development along its eroding coastline - dying salt marsh. The die-off of large areas of marsh grass sends up a warning for many coastal officials. The dilemma signals accelerated land loss of our coastal wetlands.

Since the Spring of 2000, scientists and coastal specialists have found that saltwater marsh plants in a vast area in the southeastern part of the state have prematurely turned brown, lost leaves and, in some cases, experienced root death. This marsh vegetation, Spartina alterniflora, known as smooth cordgrass, is a vital link in the wetland’s ecosystem. Present estimates show that several thousand acres have been affected, but the most critical browning of salt marshes is in the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary between the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers.

Representatives of the Foster Administration, several state and federal environmental agencies, landowners, and university researchers met recently to review the latest findings on the dying marsh grass phenomenon. Attendees agreed to immediately convene a working group. Dr. Paul Coreil, Assistant Director for Environmental Affairs at the LSU Ag Center said that the working group members would offer insight, expertise, and assistance in dealing with this latest coastal threat. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and LSU’s Ag Center helped to organize the initial meeting.

Coastal officials agree that while patchy areas of die-off have been recognized in the past, the scope of the problem now is much more extensive. Many believe that severe drought and extremely salty waters could be the primary cause however, factors such as tidal changes, subsidence, and possible plant pathogens must be studied and further researched, according to Mike Materne, plant materials specialist with NRCS. He said mapping the coastal marshes, documenting what researchers have found, and addressing potential actions is first on the group’s task list.

The next strategy meeting is planned for September 14, 2000 at 9:00 a.m. in the Louisiana Room of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton Rouge. For more information on this topic, contact the Governor’s Office of Coastal Activities at 225-342-3968. 

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