Ponds and Wetlands

Wetlands are shallow, wet areas that support aquatic plants such as sedges, bulrushes and cattails, as well as shrubs and trees. These areas provide habitat for waterfowl, fish, amphibians and hundreds of invertebrate species.

Why are wetlands important to PEI?

Wetlands cover five per cent of the surface area of Prince Edward Island.

About 20 per cent of these wetlands are salt or tidal marshes and are considered to be among the most productive ecosystems on earth. Tidal marshes are common along the edges of bays and estuaries.

The remaining 80 per cent are freshwater wetlands. These include open water ponds, marshes, small wet meadows, wooded swamps and bogs. The construction of livestock watering ponds and borrow pits in areas with a high water table has resulted in the recent formation of more wetlands.

Wetlands perform a variety of important functions such as:

• providing habitat for fish and wildlife species and contribute to the productivity of rivers and estuaries;
• forming a vital link in the water cycle by acting as groundwater recharge, discharge and storage areas;
• acting as water purification systems by trapping and breaking down contaminants such as manmade chemicals, organic waste, and sediments;
• acting as carbon sinks, thereby helping to reduce greenhouse gases;
• stabilizing river and coastal shorelines;
• providing recreational opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, bird watching, and canoeing; and
• sustaining food and habitat for commercial fish species.

Are there ponds and wetlands that I can visit?

Ponds and wetlands sign

The Ponds and Wetlands sign includes freshwater cattails and trout jumping to catch low flying aquatic insects.