We are interested in the role of salt marsh plants in providing nutrition and transferring toxicants to animals. We are comparing the native marsh plant, Spartina alterniflora with the invasive reed, Phragmites australis in terms of their use as habitat by fiddler crabs, grass shrimp and larval mummichogs, and their nutritional value to the marsh invertebrates. We are also comparing metal uptake, storage and release by these two plants in the Hackensack Meadowlands. Data gathered thus far indicate that Spartina accumulates and releases greater amounts of metals than Phragmites, and that the two plants seem to be equivalent as food, once they have been converted to detritus, and to serve the same habitat function for some but not all of the animals.

The proximity to the Hackensack Meadowlands and Newark Bay, which is a severely stressed estuary, gives us a convenient "outdoor laboratory." We have found such tolerance to methylmercury in populations of mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus), grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) and fiddler crabs (Uca pugnax) from the northern NJ estuaries, but have also found that enhanced tolerance comes at a price. We are currently looking at impaired feeding behavior in these fish. They are less capable of capturing live prey, and consequently eat higher proportions of sediment and detritus, which are not nutritious. The reduced prey capture is associated with lower general activity level and reduced levels of serotonin in their brains. We are also looking into the possible involvement of the thyroid gland in their low activity level. This may be a case of endocrine disruption caused by environmental contaminants. Their poor diet may be partly responsible for their decreased growth and life span. However, their prey organisms, grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio), whose predator-avoidance does not seem to be impacted by the contaminants in the polluted environment, may be benefiting from being preyed upon less. They are larger in size as well as more numerous at the contaminated site.

"Tall green grass. Subtle melodies of songbirds. Sharp whines of muskrats. Rustles of water running through the grasses. And at low tide, a pungent reminder of the treasures hidden beneath the surface. All are vital signs of the great salt marshes' natural resources.

Now championed as critical habitats for plants, animals, and people because of the environmental service and protection they provide, these ecological wonders were once considered unproductive wastelands, home solely to mosquitoes and toxic waste, and mistreated for centuries by the human population. Exploring the fascinating biodiversity of these boggy wetlands, Salt Marshes offers readers a wealth of essential information about a variety of plants, fish, and animals, the importance of these habitats, consequences of human neglect and thoughtless development, and insight into how these wetlands recover.

Judith S. Weis and Carol A. Butler shed ample light on the human impact, including chapters on physical and biological alterations, pollution, and remediation and recovery programs. In addition to a national and global perspective, the authors place special emphasis on coastal wetlands in the Atlantic and Gulf regions, as well as the San Francisco Bay Area, calling attention to their historical and economic legacies.

Written in clear, easy-to-read language, Salt Marshes proves that the battles for preservation and conservation must continue, because threats to salt marshes ebb and flow like the water that runs through them."- Rutgers University Press

"Weis and Butler turn Teal's classic story of the life and death of the salt marsh into a story of rebirth, with a compelling narrative about salt marsh restoration. A good resource and a pleasure to read. Salt Marshes: A Natural and Unnatural History is a well-written and compelling narrative of the past, present, and future states of salt marshes. The book is both scholarly and timely, and it outlines what is at stake if we do not tend to these threatened and ecologically important habitats."—BioScience Magazine, June 2010 (from the Rutgers University Press website)

"The authors provide a detailed account of the biodiversity of salt marshes and the tremendous benefits that they provide to the natural world. By enhancing understanding of the benefits of these areas, the damage caused to coastal marshes may be avoided in the future if we remain vigilant."—Wildlife Activist (from the Rutgers University Press website)

"Salt Marshes: A Natural and Unnatural History" by Judith S. Weis and Carol A. Butler

"Do Fish Sleep?" by Judith S. Weis

A photo of me taken at the Accabonac Harbor salt marshes in East Hampton, NY.

Praise for Do Fish Sleep?

"Judith Weis's clearly written book will interest a wide range of readers, from educators to naturally curious young people."—Howard Reisman, Professor Emeritus of Biology, Long Island University

"Do Fish Sleep? must have every Ichthyology 101 final exam question imaginable, but with much more thorough and engaging answers!"—Francis Juanes, University of Massachusetts

"Fish, fish, and more fish--from minnows to sharks, mountain streams to ocean bottoms, and teeth to tail fins, if it's a fish question, it's answered here."—John Waldman, author of Heartbeats in the Muck: The History, Sea Life, and Environment of New York Harbor

From the fifty-one-foot whale shark Rhincodon typus to a less-than-one-half-inch fish in the minnow family--the tiny Paedocypris progenetica--fish certainly carry a lot of weight . . . or do they?

A fish's heft in water may vary, but these diverse aquatic animals certainly carry a lot of weight in our ecosystems and environment. From freshwater to ocean habitats, Judith S. Weis offers a fascinating look at these deceptively simple creatures. Fishes may appear to live a dull existence, but appearances change once we understand more about how they survive. These wonders actually possess attributes that would make us superpowers--they can change color, sex, produce light and electricity, regenerate injured fins, prevent themselves from sinking, and some can even walk on land.

Do Fish Sleep? is organized in an easy-to-read and accessible question-and-answer format, filled with more than 55 photographs and over 100 interesting facts from fish biology basics to the importance of preserving and restoring fish diversity and healthy populations. A captivating read for fish enthusiasts of all ages--naturalists, environmentalists, aquarists, scuba divers, and students--this is also the perfect primer for those just about to get their feet wet. Dive in!