Intertidal and subtidal (estuarine and marine) ecology

About intertidal and subtidal ecosystems

Intertidal and subtidal ecosystems may be composed of parts of both estuarine systems and marine systems[1][2]. Subtidal ecosystems are always submerged due to tidal influence, whereas intertidal ecosystems are found between the high tide and low tide, experiencing fluctuating influences of land and sea[3].

Intertidal ecosystems are a dynamic complex of plant, animal and micro-organism communities and their non-living environment that interact as a functioning unit, and are exposed at low tides (e.g. mangroves or saltmarsh on muddy substrate). Subtidal ecosystems on the sea floor remains continuously submerged. Tidal inundation is a major characteristic of these ecosystems and this and other biophysical attributes of benthic habitats can be used to classify and map benthic habitats.

Ecosystem type descriptions provides a hierarchical list of ecosystem types described in terms of their combinations of attributes.

Queensland Intertidal and Subtidal Classification Scheme

The Queensland Intertidal and Subtidal Ecosystem Classification Scheme uses the biological, physical and chemical characteristics of the water column and sea floor to classify intertidal and subtidal ecosystems, which includes estuarine and marine environments. The scheme develops a common understanding and language of classification to improve communication and lead to better management outcomes. It provides a structured framework and understanding available for mapping.

• Intertidal and subtidal mapping background
• Intertidal and subtidal mapping FAQs (including field names and alias)
• Module 1 - Introduction and implementation of intertidal and subtidal ecosystem classification
• Module 2 - Literature review of intertidal and subtidal classification frameworks and systems
• Module 3 - Attributes and qualifiers (web pages)
• Module 4 - A method for providing baseline mapping of intertidal and subtidal ecosystems in Queensland
• Fact sheet: The Queensland Intertidal and Subtidal Ecosystem Classification Scheme
• Fact sheet: Intertidal and Subtidal Habitat Mapping and Conservation Values Assessment for Central Queensland State Waters
• Fact sheet: A Method for Classifying and Mapping Intertidal and Subtidal Ecosystems in Central Queensland
• Assessment of Common Conservation Values - Intertidal and Subtidal Environs of the Baffle to Fitzroy Coast (ACCV)
• Intertidal and subtidal ecosystem types of Central Queensland
• WetlandMaps (interactive mapping)
• Field Guide to common saltmarsh plants of Queensland

OzCoasts

The OzCoasts website provides conceptual diagrams depicting estuarine wetland processes, threats and stressors, including a range of geomorphic conceptual models for each of the seven types of Australian estuaries and coastal waterways. The descriptions supporting these diagrams also contain extensive amounts of useful information.

Marine conceptual models

• Australian beaches
• Marine habitats

Additional information - Marine and Estuarine

• National Marine NRM Plan 2023-28 - Oceanwatch Australia
• Allen Coral Atlas
• Australian Coastal Restoration Network
• Database on cost and feasibility of marine coastal restoration
• Review of Saltmarsh rehabilitation techniques
• System definitions
• Queensland Wetland Mapping and Classification Method
• Wetland classification and types
• Wetland management profiles
• Queensland’s saltmarsh habitats: values, threats and opportunities to restore ecosystem services
• Atlas of Ocean Wealth
• Seagrass Restoration Network
• Shellfish Reef Restoration Network
• Australian Mangrove and Saltmarsh Network
• Great Barrier Reef Coral Restoration
• System definitions
• Queensland Wetland Mapping and Classification Method
• Wetland classification and types
• Wetland management profiles
• Queensland’s saltmarsh habitats: values, threats and opportunities to restore ecosystem services
• Australian Coastal Restoration Network

Pages under this section

References

1. ^ Aquatic Ecosystems Task Group (2012), Aquatic Ecosystems Toolkit, Module 2: Interim Australian National Aquatic Ecosystem (ANAE) Classification Framework, Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra..
2. ^ Cowardin, LM, Carter, FC & LaRoe, ET (1979), 'Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States.', Fish an dWildlif Service, vol. FWS/OBS-79131, Fish and Wildlife Services, Washington, DC.
3. ^ OzCoasts (2015), Glossary. [online], OzCoasts (Geoscience Australia) 2015. Available at: http://www.ozcoasts.gov.au/glossary/def_i-l.jsp [Accessed 21 June 2017].
4. ^ Pitcher, RCR, Doherty, PPJ, Arnold, PP, Hooper, JJNA & Gribble, NNA (2007), Seabed biodiversity on the continental shelf of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research.

Last updated: 4 September 2019