The use of dredged material for the development of intertidal marshlands

The study included one and one-half years of botanical work (nursery, laboratory, and field) focused upon the development of baseline information on environmental parameters affecting growth and survival of intertidal flora (Spartina foliosa and Salicornia ssp.) and the formulation and testing of procedures for the efficient artificial propagation of this flora. The planting and monitoring of replicate test plots in an unconfined area has affirmed that dredged material is a suitable substrate for intertidal vegetation. In addition, the study monitored the progress of an intertidal substrate construction project in San Francisco Bay. This construction included hydraulic dredging with disposal in a 110-acre confined area for the combined purposes of dredge material disposal and the creation of a substrate suitable for the propagation of marsh-land plants. Study observations to date indicate that within practical limits an appropriate marsh topography can be established with available equipment and existing dredging technology. Results of this study will be used in planning for the establishment of marshes on this material.