I think that the recolonization of non-native plants would be preferable rather than an attempt at a restoration of marsh with native plants depending on the case study. If the ecosystem is not too imbalanced, then millions of dollars don’t have to be wasted on something that might not work out. In other words, if the marsh is functioning properly and producing enough biodiversity, we don’t need to recolonize the marsh with native plants. However, if  massive invasions of particular species like Phragmites australis are inflicting environmental costs, then we could think about intervening.

Also, I agree with Alex’s perspective in addressing the bigger problem. We should first focus on fixing the origin of the problems, or the human actions that made these changes in salt marsh ecosystem. For example, we need to stop the use of chemical fertilizers that pour into storm runoff, causing the marshes to have the excess of nutrients. Additionally, we need to target the sewage that flows into waterways to prevent eutrophication, or “the process by which a body of water acquires a high concentration of nutrients, especially phosphates and nitrates”, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. We need to stop the human actions that cause the cascade of smaller problems like algal blooms and the dissolving concentrations of oxygen in marshes. Only after doing so, should we target the smaller problems; we could possibly try to restore the marshes that have long-term economic and environmental damages associated with the human actions affecting the marshes.

We don’t need to try to restore marshes that will naturally take care of itself. Temporary  artificial marshes will eventually turn back to natural marshes. For instance, Hurricane Sandy breached the East and West Ponds of Jamaica Bay, making the artificially freshwater ponds higher in salinity. They can naturally return to being saltwater marshes; although the migratory birds won’t have a place to stay. The marshes should not be restored when the pros of letting them be outweigh the cons. On a different note, the government needs to understand that restoration of marshes isn’t as simple as it sounds instead of placing a blanket law, since the the restoration project could damage the marshes even further; the project is risky since we don’t know its outcome.