A Note on the Relation of Size to Ecological Value of Some Wetlands

Marshes located on the Mayo Peninsula between the South and Rhode rivers, Maryland, were measured to determine acreage per tract, total upland and seaward edge lengths. For these marshes, 54% of the total area is associated with tracts of less than 5 acres. Of total upland edge length, 68% is along tracts less than 5 acres, while 72% of seaward edge length is associated with these smaller tracts. Comparison of edge length to area ratios shows that tracts of 1 acre or less have significantly higher edge length than tracts of 5 acres or more. While this should be extrapolated to other geographic regions with care, the findings suggest that regulatory agencies revise wetland management principles to include greater protection and enhanced survival of small tracts.