Page 10 - 2021PSF-ResilientCoastsForSalmon-NewLogo-Primer-Web

Photo by: Ryan Miller

Photos by: Mitch Miller

In rocky environments you may spot limpets,
barnacles and sea anemones living amongst the
rocky outcrops and tide pools . If you’re snorkeling,
you may find sea urchins and kelp crabs in cobble-
gravel areas where macroalgae such as floating
bull kelp form underwater forests . Often, you can
spot a Great Blue Heron riding the stipes of the
kelp where they can spot fish and forage .

In both sandy and rocky environments, you’ll find
marine riparian vegetation, such as shrubs and trees
like Arbutus, Douglas fir, and ocean spray, growing
along the shore above the high tide line (Figure 2 .2) .
This vegetation has many important functions,
including stabilizing the shoreline as well as filtering
out contaminants, thus preventing them from
entering your favourite swimming spot . Insects also
fall from the overhanging vegetation, providing
important food sources for juvenile salmon as they
prepare for their open ocean journey . Juvenile
salmon can be found hugging shallow, coastal
areas for this reason, as well as for shelter and Figure 2.2 - The branches of arbutus trees overhang the
evading predators . shore, shading the nearshore environment from the sun.
Photo by: Nicole Christiansen
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