1. Marine Mammals:
- Dolphins: These highly intelligent and social creatures can be seen breaching the water in coastal areas.
- Seals: Coastal habitats provide foraging and breeding grounds for different seal species, such as harbor seals and sea lions.
- Sea Otters: These playful marine mammals are found in nearshore waters and kelp forests, where they feed on sea urchins and other invertebrates.
2. Seabirds:
- Gulls: Various species of gulls are common sights in coastal areas, often scavenging for food in estuaries and beaches.
- Terns: These graceful birds are known for their elegant flight and can be spotted diving into the water to catch fish.
- Pelicans: Coastal wetlands and sandy beaches attract pelicans, which feed on fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Albatrosses: These majestic seabirds soar over the open ocean and can be found in certain coastal regions.
3. Fish and Invertebrates:
- Coastal fish species include flounder, sea bass, striped bass, and many more, which inhabit the shallow waters and estuaries near the coastline.
- Mollusks, such as mussels, clams, and oysters, live attached to rocks and substrates in the intertidal zone.
- Crustaceans, including crabs and shrimp, are abundant in coastal waters and play important roles in the food chain.
4. Marine Reptiles:
- Sea Turtles: Various species of sea turtles, such as loggerhead and green sea turtles, visit coastal habitats for nesting and feeding.
- Marine Iguanas: These unique lizards are found along rocky shores in certain coastal regions and feed on algae.
5. Amphibians and Reptiles:
- Saltwater Crocodiles: Certain coastal regions in the tropics support populations of saltwater crocodiles, making these habitats even more fascinating.
- Estuarine Crocodiles: These crocodiles, found in estuaries and mangrove forests, are adapted to the brackish waters of coastal areas.
6. Coastal Birds:
- Plovers: These small shorebirds are often found running along the water's edge, foraging for invertebrates.
- Sandpipers: These active birds probe the sand and mudflats in search of small organisms.
- Herons and Egrets: These wading birds hunt for fish and other prey in shallow coastal waters.
7. Marine Mammals:
- Manatees: These gentle marine mammals inhabit warm coastal waters, feeding on aquatic plants in estuaries and shallow bays.
- Dugongs: Found in certain coastal regions, dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals that feed on seagrasses.
These are just a few examples of the diverse animal species that can be found in coastal habitats. The unique blend of land and water, with its rich biodiversity and dynamic ecosystems, makes these areas critical for supporting various marine and terrestrial species.