Shoreline Habitat Classification

Estuarine, intertidal, reef, partly enclosed, eulittoral

This common category includes marsh "islands" that develop near the mouth of broad river channels and near deltas, where marsh vegetation colonizes the substrate and provides some stability. The type of marsh vegetation varies with intertidal elevation and salinity. Substrata may be mud, peat, sand (near river channels) and clay.

Class ID
90
Class name
Estuarine, intertidal, reef, partly enclosed, eulittoral
Length
429.00
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
[No class in 1990 publication]
Map/survey site examples
Marsh "islands" near river mouths: Swinomish Channel, Red River, Dosewallips
Fish sampling sites
Beach seine: Swinomish Channel
Diagnostic species
Carex lyngbyei
Distichlis spicata
Salicornia depressa
Triglochin maritima
Jaumea carnosa
Schoenoplectus maritimus
Cymatogaster aggregata
Leptocottus armatus
Gasterosteus aculeatus
Hypomesus pretiosus
Species notes
Diagnostic species dependent on salinity and substrate
Habitat classification system