Future prospects for Bay Area wetlands are mostly unknown. In many ways, much progress has been made in protecting the area. When the San Francisco Bay estuary and associated wetlands in Marin were added to the list of international treaty of protected waterways in February 2013 they became the country’s 35th “wetland of importance.” Additionally, the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission continues to enforce the San Francisco Bay Plan, which was first created in 1968. The Commission works to protect wetlands and regulate development in the area. Hopefully this will continue to benefit Bay Area wetlands, especially if the regulations become even more stringent. Efforts made by environmental groups also appear to be paving the way for a more environmental future in the Bay Area. The South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project’s work to restore saltwater wetland habitats will most likely encourage the reintroduction and growth of species in these wetland pond complexes.
However, U.S. Geological Survey scientists estimate that in 40 years Bay marshlands, like Marin Country's Core Madera Marsh, will actually be completely wiped out. Ecologist Karen Thorne says that her research indicates that there will be no Bay Area wetlands left by the end of the century, mostly thanks to the rising sea levels. Sea levels are projected to keep rising at faster and faster rates in the San Francisco Bay Area as a result of anthropogenically caused climate change. While existing wetlands could move upslope away from encroaching sea levels, Thorne says that “there’s nowhere for them to go” thanks to the urbanization in the area. It’s clear that much more work needs to be done on a larger scale to ensure a future for Bay Area wetlands.
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