Glossary

The ocean is made up of a myriad different habitats. Do you know them all?

CORAL REEFS:

up of many coral Coral colonies, reefs supporting are diverse 25 ecosystems percent of all made marine life.

ESTUARIES:

estuaries are Where partially the enclosed rivers connect bodies to of the water ocean, home to unique marine life that have adapted to brackish water.

INTERTIDAL: Commonly known as the seashore, the intertidal zone is submerged during high tide and exposed during low tide.

KELP FORESTS: Kelps are extremely large brown algae that can grow up to 45 metres. They can be found in cool, shallow waters close to shore.

MUDFLATS: Mudflats are formed in sheltered shores that are protected from waves. Mud is deposited by tides or rivers during high tide and exposed at low tide.

MANGROVES: The mangrove plant has the unique ability to extract freshwater from the muddy, brackish water it lives in. It can be found along shores, rivers and estuaries.

OYSTER REEFS: Oysters grow in clusters, fusing together to form rock-like reefs on coasts that become shelter for other marine life.

OPEN OCEAN: As the name suggests, the open ocean, also known as the pelagic zone, includes all the oceans outside of coastal areas and is home to the biggest marine species.

SALT MARSHES: Similar to mudflats, salt marshes are found along protected shores and are flooded and drained by tides. They accumulate a dense layer of peat and mud that maintain ecosystems.

SEAGRASS MEADOWS: Seagrass is the only flowering aquatic plant found in shallow waters. Seagrass meadows protect coastlines from storms by anchoring the soil and sand with their roots.

TIDEWATER GLACIERS: Tidewater glaciers are found right by the sea. They breakoff to calve icebergs that serve as pupping and moulting grounds for harbour seals.