377 Summary • Wetlands are the connection between terrestrial and aquatic environment. • All wetlands help fulfi ll the essential needs of wildlife and humans. • Although most wetlands perform many of the same functions, the location and unique composition of the wetland will determine its primary roles in the local area. • Wetland soils are hydric soils that have little oxygen or nutrients. • The criteria used to classify wetland types includes plant life, soil type, water depth, depth of hydric soil, bed type, and the annual amount of time the wetland is fl ooded and/or dry. • Marine wetlands have highly saline water, are found on coastlines and in deep waters, are affected by the tides, and are exposed to the waves and currents of the open ocean. • Marine wetlands include coastal wetlands, coral reef wetlands, saltwater marshes, and mangrove swamps. • Freshwater wetlands are those found inland along lakes and ponds, on the fl oodplains of rivers and streams, and in isolated, low-lying areas surrounded by dry land. • Freshwater wetlands include bogs, fens, freshwater marshes, pocosins, prairie potholes, and swamps. • Each wetland fi ts a niche and animals and plants in the area survive by being hydrophilic and adaptable. • Wetlands provide fl ood protection, improve water quality, prevent erosion, provide habitat and food, and accommodate recreational activities. • Global, national, and local conservation and rehabilitation efforts are in effect and the reduction of wetlands has slowed since the 1970s. • Wetland rehabilitation and restoration efforts are being made to return wetlands to their original state or to create new wetlands in areas where they no longer exist.