Saltmarsh SAVERS

Explore citizen science data on saltmarsh habitats

Explore the Saltmarsh Monitoring Dashboard

The Saltmarsh Monitoring Dashboard identifies regional and site-based saltmarsh values and human and climate threats and pressures. On the dashboard you can see why saltmarshes are important to people in your region, identify regional threats and pressures and see which sites need protecting and restoring using our investment prioritization framework to identify high value saltmarsh areas at risk.

Explore the Saltmarsh Monitoring Dashboard

Protecting Tropical Saltmarsh.
Protecting Our Coastlines.

Tropical saltmarsh is one of Australia’s most overlooked and most important, coastal ecosystems. Found across northern Australia, these intertidal wetlands quietly protect our shorelines, provide fish and migratory bird habitat, support biodiversity, clean our coastal waters and store carbon, all while existing in a delicate balance shaped by tides, rainfall, and climate.

The Saltmarsh SAVERs citizen science program exists to protect, restore, and raise awareness of these vital ecosystems before more is lost.

What Is Tropical Saltmarsh?

Tropical saltmarsh is a coastal wetland found in the upper intertidal and supratidal zones of northern Australia. It is made up of low-growing, salt-tolerant vegetation and salt flats, often supporting cyanobacterial and algal mat communities.

Unlike mangroves, tropical saltmarsh is only infrequently flooded, typically during spring tides, storm surges or episodic flooding. Its extent and productivity are shaped by seasonal wet–dry cycles, rainfall, tidesand climate variability, with the largest areas occurring in regions such as the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Tropical saltmarsh is different from temperate and sub-tropical systems, with its own species, seasonal cycles and tidal patterns. This means it needs conservation approaches designed specifically for tropical regions.

A Habitat Under Threat

Tropical saltmarsh is disappearing at an alarming rate.
An estimated 22% of tropical saltmarsh has been lost in the Wet Tropics region since European settlement.

In the Cairns region, losses reach 34%.

This decline is driven by a combination of pressures, including:
- Conversion to alternative land uses
- Coastal erosion
- Altered hydrology
- Sea level rise
- Direct and indirect human activities

Apply now

The Saltmarsh SAVERs citizen science program exists to protect, restore, and raise awareness of these vital ecosystems before more is lost.

Local knowledge is one of our best tools in identifying local issues, values and environmental threats and changes to saltmarsh sites over time. More importantly, local knowledge can help prioritize investment to protect, restore and enhance locally valuable saltmarsh areas.

Our Mission

Saltmarsh Savers is dedicated to engaging communities to share their local perspectives and understanding of saltmarsh values and threats using citizen science saltmarsh SAVER surveys (subjectiveassessment of values and ecosystem risks).

This data is contributing to safeguarding saltmarsh habitats supporting

Protection of high value areas
Restoration of degraded saltmarsh landscapes
Research and monitoring to improve understanding of tropical systems, including saltmarsh biodiversity
Community awareness and engagement
Advocacy for evidence-based saltmarsh and coastal wetland management

Because protecting saltmarsh today means protecting coastlines for generations to come.

See Our Work

Explore our Saltmarsh Monitoring Dashboard to see where and how we’re making an impact.
Track saltmarsh condition and change across northern Australia, discover key regions and trends, and learn how science and community action are working together to protect these vital ecosystems.

The Saltmarsh Monitoring Dashboard identifies regional and site-based saltmarsh values and human and climate threats and pressures. On the dashboard you can see why saltmarshes are important to people in your region, identify regional threats and pressures and see which sites need protecting and restoring using our investment prioritization framework to identify high value saltmarsh areas at risk.

Explore the Saltmarsh Monitoring Dashboard

Get Involved

Tropical Saltmarsh needs your help! Tropical saltmarsh may be able to survive in extreme conditions, but they cannot survive the combined threats of human disturbance and climate change.
Whether you’re a researcher, land manager, policymaker, community member, or nature lover, there’s a role for you in protecting these ecosystems.
Join Saltmarsh Savers.
Together, we can give tropical saltmarsh the recognition and protection it so greatly needs.
You can join community saltmarsh surveys in the following locations -

Cairns

Contact Cairns and Far North Environment Centre This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or keep an eye on the CAFNEC Facebook and Instagram feeds.

Townsville & Mackay

Contact Earthwatch This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or keep an eye on the Earthwatch Facebook and Instagram feeds.