Coastal Environments

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Great Egret in a pond, Everglades, Fla

Barrier Ecosystems

Coral Coast Ecosystems

Drowned Valley Coast Ecosystems

Great Lakes Coast Ecosystems

Mangrove Coast Ecosystems

Pacific Coast Ecosystems

 

Pacific Coast Ecosystems

Although there are few marshes along the Pacific coast, the rocky shores with cool water host kelp beds, which are formed by various species of algae that attach to hard substrate with a root-like system called a holdfast. Some kelp, particularly Macrosistus species, can grow many tens of meters in length up to the water surface, where their tops float and continue to grow. The plants are quite rubbery and can withstand significant wave action.

Kelp beds harbor extensive biological communities that include fish, sea otters, lobster, starfish, mollusks, abalones, and many other invertebrates. In addition, kelp beds absorb wave energy, helping to shelter beaches.


Revised 13 Oct 2010

Kelp Bed Undersea

Kelp Bed Undersea
Source: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Pacific Coast Ecosystems

The Pacific coast contains fewer salt marshes than the Atlantic and Gulf coasts because of its high-energy wave climate, which discourages salt marsh formation.