Near Shore Ecology

According to the CIA’s World Fact Book, there are 356,000 kilometers of ocean coastline in the world and there is a lot of marine life that lives near the coast. Near shore ecology can be described as the area that begins at the low water mark and goes well beyond the surf. It usually ranges from the coastline to about 30 meters deep. Near shore ecology includes diverse areas that support a huge number of different plants, fish, and wildlife.  It is an ecosystem that is directly affected by human impact.

The coast thrives on tourism and business, but it is also a delicate ecosystem that needs to be protected. Near shore ecology is affected by everything we do - pollution, fishing, shoreline stabilization, development. All of our actions change the dynamics of marine habitats and populations. Our impact is greater than we may realize.

It is important for scientists to study this interaction in order to learn how to preserve and protect the native species and habitats of the near shore ecosystem. Through the study of physical, chemical, geological, and biological aspects scientists can begin to understand this complex ecosystem.

The physical components of the near shore ecosystem are called controlling factors and consist of things such as wave energy, temperature, salinity, nutrients, light, slope, depth, and water quality. When one of these controlling factors is affected, it changes the habitat structure of the ecosystem, which in turn changes the way the underwater habitats function. When this happens the ecological functions are altered and the entire near shore ecosystem is transformed.

It may sound a little confusing, so here’s an example - the creation of an artificial reef can change the energy produced by waves. This kills off a certain species of plants that was food for a specific type of fish. That fish then is forced to migrate to another region of the underwater world to survive. This is just one example. There are countless things that affect the fragile coastal ecosystem and the more we know, the more prepared we can be to protect it.

Through research, observations, and data collection scientists can learn how the near shore ecology is changing and take steps to conserve the delicate ecosystem.