Saginaw Bay, Kuiu Island, Southeast Alaska
When most people think of the sea or ocean habitats, images of a tropical beach or a bottomless abyss are conjured up. Regardless of what comes to mind, each ocean environment is extraordinarily unique and each contains an incredible amount of diversity that can spark our imagination, curiosity, and even our longing to make new personal and/or scientific discoveries.
With a full moon only a few days past, we had the good fortune of making a landing in Saginaw Bay for kayaking and interpretive walks. Not only could we take the time to search for fossils along the beaches and limestone cliff walls, we also got a closer look at the amazing invertebrates and algal species that the low tide uncovered.
The upwelling of oceanic currents makes the Pacific Northwest coastline one of the most nutrient rich areas. The recycling of nutrients fuels species diversity and community complexity. One of the most fascinating aspects of the intertidal zone is that it is one of the smallest habitats on the entire planet. Very few organisms are able to make this extreme environment their home. The ability to survive in and out of the water for extended periods of time is exceptional. With a closer look it becomes evident that space for settlement is the most limiting commodity. Nearly every hard surface in the intertidal zone is either occupied by sessile invertebrates such as barnacles and mussels or algal holdfasts. As a result, competition for space creates distinct areas of zonation and stratification. Among the settled animals and algae are countless other species that either survive as grazers, filter feeders, or intertidal predators that find refuge in and around the permanent residents. From the largest sea stars in the world to the many spiny urchins, sea anemones, fishes, worms, and countless varieties of crustaceans, close examination of Pacific Northwest intertidal zones reveals one of the most extraordinary and diverse habitats on the planet.
We do not always have to bend over to observe some of the other animals that utilize this environment. Throughout the day we also had great sightings of a mink, a black bear, crows, ravens, and eagles, each taking advantage of the plethora of foraging opportunities in the intertidal zone.
When most people think of the sea or ocean habitats, images of a tropical beach or a bottomless abyss are conjured up. Regardless of what comes to mind, each ocean environment is extraordinarily unique and each contains an incredible amount of diversity that can spark our imagination, curiosity, and even our longing to make new personal and/or scientific discoveries.
With a full moon only a few days past, we had the good fortune of making a landing in Saginaw Bay for kayaking and interpretive walks. Not only could we take the time to search for fossils along the beaches and limestone cliff walls, we also got a closer look at the amazing invertebrates and algal species that the low tide uncovered.
The upwelling of oceanic currents makes the Pacific Northwest coastline one of the most nutrient rich areas. The recycling of nutrients fuels species diversity and community complexity. One of the most fascinating aspects of the intertidal zone is that it is one of the smallest habitats on the entire planet. Very few organisms are able to make this extreme environment their home. The ability to survive in and out of the water for extended periods of time is exceptional. With a closer look it becomes evident that space for settlement is the most limiting commodity. Nearly every hard surface in the intertidal zone is either occupied by sessile invertebrates such as barnacles and mussels or algal holdfasts. As a result, competition for space creates distinct areas of zonation and stratification. Among the settled animals and algae are countless other species that either survive as grazers, filter feeders, or intertidal predators that find refuge in and around the permanent residents. From the largest sea stars in the world to the many spiny urchins, sea anemones, fishes, worms, and countless varieties of crustaceans, close examination of Pacific Northwest intertidal zones reveals one of the most extraordinary and diverse habitats on the planet.
We do not always have to bend over to observe some of the other animals that utilize this environment. Throughout the day we also had great sightings of a mink, a black bear, crows, ravens, and eagles, each taking advantage of the plethora of foraging opportunities in the intertidal zone.
