Estuarine Subtidal Cobble: Open, Shallow

As in parallel marine systems, subtidal cobble systems have mixed substratum types, as the cobbles generally overlie sand.  Few surveys have been done in these habitats.

Common Species

Laminaria saccharina, Agarum fimbriatum, numerous red algae especially Gigartina exasperata, the clams Saxidomus giganteus and Tresus capax, the polychaetes Platynereis bicanaliculata and Scoloplos armiger, the crab Cancer gracilis, the sunstar Pycnopodia helianthoides.

Sites Surveyed

Hood Canal (variety of sites), Fox Island.

Sources

Shimek, 1977; Phillips and Fleenor, 1970; Hodgson and Waaland, 1979; R. Anderson unpubl. data.