Salt marshes are important ecosystems, providing critical habitats to many animals and protecting coastal communities from the effects of storms. Climate change and other anthropogenic impacts pose large threats to the stability of salt marshes. Accelerating sea level rise is expected to cause significant losses in salt marsh territory, while also pushing these systems to migrate horizontally into upland areas. It is crucial to identify areas of salt marsh conservation in relation to their vulnerability to sea level rise and their migration potential. This study looks at salt marsh in the Lower Cape Cod Region, which is low-lying and amongst the most vulnerable in Cape Cod. Using data outputs developed by Woods Hole Group from the Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model, information on salt marsh loss, stability and migration in response to sea level rise by 2050 and 2070 was extracted. Land use and land cover data from MassGIS was then used to filter out salt marsh migration into areas where migration is less realistic due to existing developments. The geospatial analysis was conducted using ArcGIS Desktop 10.3.1 and further statistical analysis was done in Excel. This poster will highlight four areas where conservation efforts can be made to preserve and enhance the resilience of salt marshes in the face of rising sea levels. The identified areas are critical due to their potential for successful migration and lower levels of human interference. The findings from this study aim to inform local policymakers, conservationists, and stakeholders about priority areas for salt marsh conservation, encouraging proactive measures to protect these vital ecosystems against the impending challenges posed by climate change.
