Loss and Fragmentation of Marshes in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China, 1954–2005

Marshes in the Sanjiang Plain of Northeast China have undergone dramatic loss and fragmentation over the past decades. This paper analyzed the loss and fragmentation of these marshes for the period 1954–2005 using historical land-cover information and remote sensing data. In 1954, marshes covered one-third of the total land area but have decreased by 77% over the 50 year period. Results showed two distinct periods of impact: 1954–1986 and …