Marine and estuarine habitat classifications in Washington State

Note: The 1990 data below was revised in 2014. Visit the new Habitats Section.

Habitats introduction from Dethier (1990):

"The following habitat descriptions list plants and animals characteristic of the marine and estuarine habitats classified in the Washington Natural Heritage Program system. Habitat types are lumped where ecological differences among them are unclear (e.g., between some mud and mixed-fine habitats).  Artificial habitats are not described at this time. They contain few unique organisms, since most hard artificial substrata will be occupied by rock-dwelling species.  However, pilings and other wooden artificial structures contain unique wood-boring organisms, and subtidal structures often attract fish."