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Coastal Salt Pond |
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System: Estuarine
SubSystem: Estuarine Intertidal State Protection: Not Listed Federal Protection: Not Listed State Rarity Rank: S1 
A State Rarity Rank of S1 means: Typically 5 or fewer occurrences, very few remaining individuals, acres, or miles of stream, or some factor of its biology makes it especially vulnerable in New York State. Global Rarity Rank: G4
A Global Rarity Rank of G4 means: Apparently secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Did you know? Coastal salt ponds (sometimes called lagoons) are actually estuaries where fresh water from rivers and streams meets the salt water from the ocean. At times, the ponds are separated from the ocean by sand that was gradually deposited by wave action. During a storm surge, like what happens during a hurricane, this sand barrier is opened up and the ponds are directly connected to the ocean again. The plant and animal life in these ponds can change drastically depending on the salinity of the water. These ponds can be the nurseries for many species of fish and shellfish. They are also a favorite stopping point for all types of migratory birds (http://www.saltpondscoalition.org/index.html). |
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| State Ranking Justification | [-] |
This community only occurs on the coastal plain of New York. There are very few, small (low acreage) occurrences currently mapped. Many documented occurrences have good viability and are protected while others are threatened by coastal development. The current trend for this community is probably stable for occurrences on public land, or declining slightly elsewhere due to moderate threats related to development pressure or alteration to the natural hydrology. This community has declined moderately to substantially from historical numbers likely correlated with an increase in residential and commercial development.
| Short-term Trends | [-] |
The number and acreage of coastal salt ponds in New York have probably declined in recent decades due to human impacts on the hydrology including ditching, draining, impoundments, and artificial connections to the ocean. The inlets to some of the larger ponds are kept open by dredging to allow boat passage between marinas that were built on the pond and the ocean thereby disrupting the natural processes of the opening and closing of ponds to the ocean.
| Long-term Trends | [-] |
The numbers and acreage of coastal salt ponds have probably declined steadily from their historical range. It is estimated that there were approximately 2000 acres in New York. Currently, a little over 200 acres are mapped. The decline probably coincided with settlement of the area and a steady increase in residential and commercial development.
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Home | Advanced Search | About Us Animal Guides | Plant Guides | Community Guides © 2004-2012 New York Natural Heritage Program, a partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry Please cite this page as:
New York Natural Heritage Program. 2013. Online Conservation Guide for Coastal Salt Pond. Available from: http://www.acris.nynhp.org/guide.php?id=9863. Accessed May 22nd, 2013. 
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