habitats

Here are five habitats within the Great Bay Estuary ecosystem. Each is a unique physical environment with a particular community of organisms that interact with each other as well as the habitat itself.

Salt Marshes

are not monotonous green meadows. There is a fascinating order to these plant communities. Many juvenile marine animals take refuge and feed here, as forage fish and larger predators are on the hunt.

Rocky Shore

has piles of rocks covered with seaweed. Go ahead and explore around and under them. You will find some beautiful surprises, especially on the intertidal rocky shores of New Castle and Rye.

Tidal flats

 Who cares about the tidal flats? Their residents are not the most beautiful or exciting, yet the estuary depends on the biological and chemical processes at work here.

Eelgrass

meadows grow out of sight at the bottoms of some subtidal areas. They are a great food source, as well as breeding and nursery area for fish and crabs. Waterfowl feed on their leaves at low tide.

Few people have access to the

Subtidal & Channel Bottom

habitat. This is where some marine animals retreat at low tide. It is also where you will find many fish species and oyster beds.