Shoreline Habitat Classification

Marine, intertidal, mixed fine, semi-protected, eulittoral

This habitat type (or its estuarine equivalent) occurs in most bays and harbors in the Pacific Northwest. Protection from waves allows finer sediments to accumulate, and the substratum is relatively stable.  The beaches tend to be accretional.  The mixed-fine sediments include sand and mud with patches of gravel (especially in the higher intertidal).  Few marine (but many estuarine) sites in this category have been surveyed.  Species are generally a mix of those found in sand and in mud habitats.  Birds and fish using these areas are described under the counterpart Estuarine habitat.  Drift algae and seagrass may be abundant.

Class ID
31
Class name
Marine, intertidal, mixed fine, semi-protected, eulittoral
Length
9.00
Primary substrate
Sand
Secondary substrate
Gravel
Tertiary substrate
Mud
Substrate stability
Mobile
Substrate key details
Pebble, sand, mud (few stable surface features)
Wave exposure
Semi-protected
Blue book classes
Marine intertidal mixed-fines: Semi-protected sites only
Map/survey site examples
Outer Westcott Bay, other sites in the San Juans
Fish sampling sites
Beach Seine: Alexander's Beach
Diagnostic species
Zostera marina
Zostera japonica
Clinocardium nuttallii
Parophrys vetulus
Leptocottus armatus
VEC common associates
Cancer spp.
Tresus capax
Habitat classification system