Featured Spotlights
Prioritization Ranking
In January 2023, following a series of meetings and public hearings, NHDES determined the Isinglass and Pemigewasset Rivers are the next designated rivers on which to conduct a protected instream flow studies. The 2022 Priority List is available for review. Please contact us if you have questions or comments regarding priority rivers for instream flow protection.
Reduced Erosion
Coastal shorelines naturally erode and shift over time, shaped by waves, tides, and floodwaters. But healthy salt marshes can slow the pace of that change—acting as a buffer that absorbs wave energy and slows erosion. Above ground, marsh plant stems help calm fast-moving water, allowing sediment to settle. Below ground, their roots anchor the soil, holding it in place. When marsh grasses are weakened or damaged, nearby properties become more vulnerable to soil loss and storm-driven erosion. In these ways, salt marshes function as natural infrastructure—offering protection with real economic benefits for both homeowners and communities. For example, a recent study found that recent wetland loss increased property damage by $430 million during Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Flood & Storm Protection
Healthy salt marshes help protect coastal residents from flooding. According to the Pew Charitable Trust, salt marshes act like natural sponges, absorbing enormous amounts of water—up to 1.5 million gallons per acre, or the equivalent of 2.5 Olympic swimming pools. In addition, their winding channels and dense grasses slow down storm surge and capture floodwaters before they reach homes and roads. This natural buffer helps reduce property damage, lower flood risk, and save money—providing an estimated $23 billion in storm and flood protection to U.S. coastal communities each year as the study done by the Journal of the Human Environment found.
Priceless Views
Sunrises over the marsh, birdsong in the air, and the scent of salt water—these simple moments draw many of us to New Hampshire’s Seacoast. Salt marshes offer sweeping views, natural beauty and a deep sense of calm, adding value not just to nearby properties, but to the entire community. These iconic landscapes are part of what defines the Seacoast’s character and creates a sense of place for residents and visitors.
Horseshoe Crabs
Horseshoe crabs are an iconic part of the Great Bay Estuary, and though they are harder to find in the Hampton-Seabrook Estuary, they make their home there as well. Despite their name, horseshoe crabs are not actually crabs and they won’t pinch you. They belong to an ancient group of arthropods, more closely related to arachnids (like spiders and scorpions) than the crabs you see today. During spawning season in May, these crabs come onto the shores during high tides in large numbers, looking for mates and creating nests. Though they are more commonly spotted on sand and gravel shorelines, horseshoe crabs will also make nests near and in salt marshes, laying thousands of eggs that feed birds, turtles and fish. Unfortunately, seawalls and other coastal armoring damage the natural shoreline habitat that horseshoe crabs need for nesting.