Coastal flora and fauna

Coastal Flora

Coastal grasslands and dunes are natural habitats that often support a diverse range of plant species.
Plants such as the marram grass thrive along the coastline due to their resistance to salt and ability to stabilise sand dunes.
Salt marsh plants like samphire and sea purslane are unique to the coast, adapted to survive in saline conditions and waterlogged soils.
Coastal woodlands or mangroves can occur in tropical and subtropical regions, playing a key role in reducing coastal erosion and hosting diverse ecosystems.

Coastal Fauna

Coastal and marine environments are home to a large variety of wildlife including sea birds, marine mammals, fish, and invertebrates.
Wading birds, like sandpipers or avocets, are often found on shores and estuaries, feeding on small crustaceans, insects, or marine worms.
Seabirds such as the puffin or gannet breed on coastal cliffs, taking advantage of their proximity to fish stocks.
Marine mammals including seals, dolphins, and whales frequently inhabit coastal waters, feeding on available fish or krill populations.
Many types of fish and invertebrates live in different coastal habitats, from sandy beaches to rocky shores, each having specific adaptations to their environments.

Importance of Flora and Fauna

Coastal flora and fauna contribute to richly diverse and productive ecosystems, providing many environmental services.
They play a vital role in food chains, supporting many marine organisms and birds.
Biodiversity in coastal ecosystems can provide a buffer against environmental changes and increase ecosystem resilience.
Coastal flora and fauna can present important opportunities for human activities such as fishing, birdwatching, or other wildlife-related tourism.
Maintaining the health of coastal ecosystems is crucial for ensuring their long-term survival in the face of human-induced impacts and climate change.

Threats to Coastal Flora and Fauna

Coastal flora and fauna face several threats, including habitat loss or degradation due to human activities such as construction, tourism, and overfishing.
Pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial wastes, or plastics can have severe impacts on coastal and marine organisms.
Global climate change poses significant threats through sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and changes in temperature and precipitation patterns.
Introduced invasive species can outcompete native species, disrupt local food webs and potentially lead to local extinctions.