7 Del. Admin. Code § 7502-4.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 4, October 1, 2024

Section 7502-4.0 - Wetlands Data

4.1 Compared to agricultural plants, marsh plants capture a high percentage of the sun's energy reaching the surface of the marsh. During the summer months, when Spartina is active, this figure is about six percent compared to about two percent for a cornfield at the height of its growth and three percent for a coral reef.

4.2 Expressed in tons of organic production per acre per year, the salt marsh, on the average, produces over 9 tons; a wheat field produces one and one-half tons (including stems and leaves); the best hay lands in this country produce about four tons; coastal continental shelf waters produce one and one-half tons. The marsh production is achieved without the cost of added fertilizer.

4.3 Tidal marshes serve as spawning or nursery areas for over 60 species of fish in the Delaware River Estuary and as the vehicle for the net transport of nutrients into the bay and coastal waters. The extent of nutrient release has a strong influence on biological productivity in the Delaware Bay.

4.4 While organisms are more abundant in the spring and summer, there are year-round species furnishing food for the higher organisms. For example, the phytoplankton and the detritus (dead organic particles) is eaten by the zooplankton which is eaten by small fish of the shore zone. These small forage fish provide food for larger species such as the weakfish and the striped bass. A decline in the quantity of food present in the lower levels of the food chain will harm the production of the larger species. In general, to produce one pound of striped bass or weakfish requires 10 pounds of forage fish which requires 100 pounds of zooplankton which in turn requires 1,000 pounds of phytoplankton. Menhaden are another important resource to Delaware that depend on the wetland areas.

4.5 The importance of the wetlands is well documented. The marshes and streams through the wetlands are home to muskrats and nutria and provide feeding, nesting and resting areas for waterfowl, shore and wading birds. Deer, rabbits and raccoons share in the abundant food production of the wetlands.

4.6 Economic and recreational returns from this area can be estimated from the following data:

4.6.1 In 1973-74 13,066 duck stamps were issued in Delaware by the U. S. Department of Interior.

4.6.2 27,235 hunting licenses were issued in 1973-74 by the Department.

4.6.3 A hunter's survey conducted by the Department shows an estimated 163,988 waterfowl hunter days during 1973-74. Much of this hunting would not be possible without the wetlands.

4.7 A substantial function is performed by the wetlands as an absorber of flood waters and siltation. There are other quantifiable values in the aesthetic and recreational uses of wetlands for an increasingly urban society.

7 Del. Admin. Code § 7502-4.0