Not available – first paragraph follows: Despite their salinity, tidal marshes are highly productive. Salt marsh plants are often reported to have rates of productivity exceeding those of many cultivated species. Although little used today, some halophytes have been exploited historically as a food source for humans or domestic animals. Many of these or related species are found in California, such as eelgrass (Zostera marina), salt grass (Distichlis spicata), and cord grass (Spartina alternifolia).