Shoreline Habitat Classification
Estuarine, intertidal, organic, channel/slough, eulittoral
Undisturbed channels and sloughs are troughs within a tidal flat that drain slowly throughout the tidal cycle. They are usually lined with marsh plants, contain numerous invertebrates and fishes, and are used by shorebirds, herons, raccoons, otter, mink, and other organisms as important foraging areas. Dunlin, sanderling, and western sandpipers are especially abundant. Most resident and migratory birds, especially waterfowl, that use estuaries for feeding or roosting occupy channels at various times. Precise invertebrate and plant assemblages probably vary with salinity, flow rate, and substratum type.
Class ID
88
Class name
Estuarine, intertidal, organic, channel/slough, eulittoral
Length
103.00
Primary substrate
Organic
Secondary substrate
Mud
Substrate stability
Stabilized by vegetation
Substrate key details
No stable surface features
Wave exposure
Protected, Very protected
Blue book classes
Estuarine intertidal mixed-fines and mud: Channel/slough
Map/survey site examples
Parts of river channels: Snohomish, Stilliguamish, Skagit
Fish sampling sites
Skagit River delta channels
Diagnostic species
Carex lyngbyei
Distichlis spicata
Salicornia depressa
Triglochin maritima
Jaumea carnosa
Schoenoplectus maritimus
Gasterosteus aculeatus
Cottus asper
Mylocheilus caurinus
Leptocottus armatus
Platichthys stellatus
Species notes
Diagnostic species dependent on salinity and substrate
Habitat classification system
Type
Map link