Estuarine Habitats

Water Column area between the sea floor to the water’s surface

Oyster Reefs Communities of oysters that grow on top of each other. The result is an incredibly complex and durable structure

Coral Reefs colonies of many small interconnected animals (corals). Although corals can live in cold, dark waters, Coral reefs are generally found in tropical climates

Types of Habitats

Kelp (macroalgae)Plants that can grow in deep

water habitat. Can grow VERY fast

Rocky shores and bottomsExposed rock shorelines

create habitat and places for sessile organisms to attach

Soft shores and bottomsUsually sandy bottoms where

wave action or flow rate prevents plants and other organisms from growing

Types of Habitats

Coastal MarshesAreas inundated by tides,

characterized by grass and mud flats

MangrovesTropical plant that lives

along the edge of estuaries. Their complex roots create awesome shoreline habitat

Deepwater swamps and riverine forestsAreas where water constantly

submerges a forest floor.

Types of Habitats

Low Tide

Medium Tide

High Tide

Very High Tide Tide