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The life that comes of the fen

by Juliano Caetano

The presence of a very peculiar ecosystem can be noticed almost all along Brazilian coast. It develops itself mainly in the estuary or influx of the rivers where there is any salt water and places sheltered of the action of the waves. According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, salt marsh is an area of low, flat, poorly drained ground that is subject to daily or occasional flooding by salt water or brackish water and that is covered with a thick mat of grasses and such grass like plants as sedges and rushes. Salt marshes are common along low seacoasts, inside barrier bars and beaches, in estuaries, and on deltas.

A few species of vegetation are perceived in these areas, most because of the salinity of the water and by it being a flooded environment. Plants that exist in this community have special adaptation to survive in the presence of high salinities in their immediate environment. The vegetation that succeeds to adapt to this environment presents aerial roots, what means: these roots exceeds the height of the water to get oxygen, as shown by the image.

Chama-maré crawfish

Brazil still possesses the biggest extension of salt marsh of the world, however, one considerable portion of this important ecosystem have already been destroyed; until the 70's it was thought that the salt marshes didn't have much importance, and the opened beaches, of white sand and crystalline water were considered more important. Today it is known the importance of the salt marsh for the marine life equilibrium, it is in this environment where many of the species live, procreate or only look for a place to feed. There can be found plenty of species of crabs, fishes, birds, among others.

"In the North of the Country, the thick forests of fen present trees that can reach 20 meters of height. In the Northeast region it has a type of salt marsh known as dry fen, with trees of small size in a substratum of high salinity. In the Southwestern Brazilian, it presents the aspect of forest of shrubs". (www.mre.gov.br)

Guaraíras Lagoon Fen, Tibau do Sul

In the Rio Grande do Norte another level of importance is given to the salt marshes: it is from there that many fishing families take off its sustenance. Fishing it in these places is a very common practice. The capture of the crabs, that are moored in laces and sold while still living creatures, is very usual, being this crustacean a much appreciated recipe in the entire Northeast.

In your visit to Rio Grande do Norte, don't forget to know the fen, if not by its the gorgeous landscapes, or by the species that live there, make it by your health, because it's said that its dark mud is medicinal and is good for the skin.

Photos: Juliano Caetano

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