Tidal wetlands are habitats that are regularly flooded by tides— or the rising and falling of water levels associated with the moon’s gravitational force.  The Delaware Estuary is unique because it has tidal wetlands from its connection with the ocean all the way to its head of tide. 

Living shorelines are engineered structures installed to control shoreline erosion and meet a variety of ecological goals. Through the thoughtful and innovative placement of materials, living shorelines can maintain the connectivity between land and water habitats while intercepting wave energy, reducing sediment and salt marsh loss, and providing habitat for a variety of fish, birds, mammals, and shellfish.   

Freshwater mussels are bivalve mollusks just like oysters, clams, and saltwater mussels. Unlike saltwater bivalves, freshwater mussels live in our local streams and rivers and provide many benefits to our natural ecosystem.   

The eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) lives in estuaries along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and has served as an important food supply for centuries. While oysters are prized for their meat at the dinner table, they also play an important role in nature as “filter-feeders,” just like other clams, saltwater mussels, and freshwater mussels.

For the Delaware Estuary, recurring extreme weather events will require adapting to rising waters from the sea and land. Coastal communities in particular need to be aware of sea level rise projections when planning for the future of their neighborhoods. 

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE) and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST)  have signed a multi-million dollar funding agreement for the development and construction of a large-scale freshwater mussel hatchery and research center. For more information, see the freshwater mussels page.