1. Soft Bottom SAV (eelgrass)
Subtidal Community
Soft Bottom
SAV (eelgrass)

2. Figure 10.22

4. Subtidal Zone
The part of the continental shelf that is always covered by water
from the low tide mark to the shelf break (150m or 490 ft)

5. Subtidal Zone
Temperature varies from place to place due to its shallowness
Bottom still affected by waves, tides and currents
Very productive areas – nutrients & light

6. Subtidal Zone Soft Bottom Communites Hard Bottom Communites
Seagrass Beds (NOW)
Hard Bottom Communites
Kelp Forests (previously viewed)

7. Seagrass Beds Develop in sheltered shallow water
Most species prefer warm waters
Turtle Grass
Some are found in colder areas
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) our local species

8. Figure 13.17

12. Ecological Targets
Seagrass Meadows
Hard Clams

13. Seagrass Beds Slow down currents Increase the depositing of sediments
Have roots - can absorb nutrients from the sediment

14. Seagrass Beds Important nursery for juvenile animals
Bay scallop on Long Island

17. Fig

18. Figure 13.16
Generalized food web in a seagrass community

19. …go to…
SAV ppt
SAV/Fire Island ppt
SAV/Global Climate Change ppt