Wetlands of the Mariana Islands

This article represents an assessment of Mariana Island Wetlands that includes the current status, stressors, and future viability. Wetlands in the Mariana Islands are comprised of the following categories: estuarine wetlands, forest wetland/swamps, freshwater marshes, lakes, and artificial wetlands. Wetlands have been significantly impacted by human habitation in the islands, with many degraded, fragmented, or lost due to development, invasive species, fire, erosion, altered hydrology, agriculture, and pollution. Hydrophytic vegetation is primarily composed of species of grasses, reeds, ferns, and trees. Wetlands provide habitat for some species listed as endangered, while a couple of species reliant on wetlands have been extirpated. Variables considered in analyzing current condition and future scenarios include stressors as well as conservation efforts. Considering the vulnerability of the wetlands and limited representation across the islands, as well as climate-related changes, it is anticipated that these habitats will continue to degrade in the absence of intensive or consistent management into the future.