Floating Dock Ecology - Marine Life & Diversity on Our Docks
Have you ever looked at the underside of a floating dock or the side of submerged pier piling? They are both covered with a tremendous amount of organisms – small but numerous. These exotic animals, primarily invertebrates, are considered fouling organisms due to their ability to attach to any available substrate. They then provide additional habitat for other organisms to find shelter in.
After sampling for a few minutes you will be in awe of marine biodiversity as we find representatives from several phyla. Scaly bryozoans reside next to plump sea squirts. Acorn barnacles are attached next to squishy sponges. Crabs cling to this newly created habitat while feathered blennies swim in and out of hiding places. With each new species collected, our staff will pass on interesting facts and life histories.
One of the constants that allow typically benthic sub tidal species to reside here is the docks’ consistency. Despite rising and falling tides they are always at the same level – just below the surface feeding in the current. Temperature, light, space, and salinity fluctuate very little here, so you’re guaranteed a packed house of marine biological diversity.
Support Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation
Please help us continue to protect and conserve the remaining species of Sea Turtles. Through education and public awareness we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the natural wonder of these magnificent marine species.
Please consider giving a membership to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital Foundation for birthdays and other special occasions.
Thank you for your interest and support.
