Shoreline Habitat Classification

Estuarine, intertidal, mud, partly enclosed, eulittoral

This substratum type differs from the mixed-fines in lacking a significant amount of sand, and consequently is softer and oozier. It is the most common habitat type in the heads of bays and inlets. Eelgrass and its associated invertebrate, fish, and bird fauna are less common in these habitats, as are hard shelled clams.

Class ID
82
Class name
Estuarine, intertidal, mud, partly enclosed, eulittoral
Length
192.00
Primary substrate
Mud
Secondary substrate
Gravel
Substrate stability
Mobile
Substrate key details
Few stable surface features
Wave exposure
Protected, Very protected
Blue book classes
Estuarine intertidal mud: Partly enclosed and enclosed
Map/survey site examples
Fidalgo Bay, Dockton (Vashon), Anderson Cove (Hood Canal), much of Padilla Bay
Fish sampling sites
Beach Seine: Padilla Bay
Diagnostic species
Macoma nasuta
Macoma balthica
Upogebia pugettensis
Schoenoplectus maritimus
Triglochin maritima
Cymatogaster aggregata
Hypomesus pretiosus
Parophrys vetulus
Syngnathus leptorhynchus
Gasterosteus aculeatus
Leptocottus armatus
VEC common associates
Zostera marina
Mya arenaria
Cancer spp.
Crassostrea gigas
Habitat classification system