Types of Marine Ecosystems

_Elsa_

‘Scientists divide marine ecosystems into several broad categories, although there are discrepancies depending on the source about what qualifies as a marine ecosystem. The number of marine ecosystems is actively debated. Although there is some disagreement, several types of marine ecosystems are largely agreed on: estuaries, salt marshes, mangrove forests, coral reefs, the open ocean, and the deep-sea ocean.

An estuary is a coastal zone where oceans meets rivers. Here, nutrients and salts from the ocean mix with those from the river in regions sheltered from extreme weather. As a result, estuaries are among the most productive places on Earth and support many types of life. In addition, because they are located where rivers join the ocean, estuaries have traditionally supported many human communities and activities like fishing, shipping, and transportation.

While estuaries form where ocean meets rivers, salt marshes occur where oceans meets land. These places are rich in nutrients from sediment brought in by the ocean. Marshes are regularly flooded by high tides, making the surrounding ground wet and salty. As a result, the soil is low in oxygen and filled with decomposing matter. These ecosystems are dominated by low-growing shrubs and grasses.

A bit farther out into the tropical sea are coral reefs, euphotic-zone ecosystems built from the exoskeleton secreted by coral polyps. These exoskeletons form complex structures that shelter many different organisms. Coral reefs are extremely diverse ecosystems that host sponges, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, turtles, sharks, dolphins, and many more creatures. By some counts, coral reefs can account for a quarter of all ocean species.

Beyond the coral reefs lies the open ocean. Open ocean ecosystems vary widely as the depth of the ocean changes. At the surface of the ocean, the euphotic zone, the ecosystem receives plenty of light and oxygen, is fairly warm, and supports many photosynthetic organisms. Many of the organisms that we associate with marine ecosystems, such as whales, dolphins, octopi, and sharks, live in the open ocean.

As the depth of the ocean increases, it gets darker, colder, and with less available oxygen. Organisms living in deep-sea ecosystems within the dysphotic, and aphotic zones have unusual adaptations that help them survive in these challenging environments. Some organisms have extremely large mouths that allow them to catch whatever nutrients fall from shallower ocean depths. Others have adapted to get their energy via chemosynthesis of chemicals from hydrothermal vents.’ (Source)

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