Programs & Events

Shoreline Stewardship Program Eelgrass Protection Program Workshops & Events Tribal Partnerships Anti-Litter Program

Shoreline Species & Habitats

Forage Fish Eelgrass Kelp Salmon Coastal Forests

Human Impacts

Shoreline Armoring Docks Clearing & Grading Stormwater Toxins in Our Water Voluntary Conservation Programs

Riparian areas (stretches of land along water) are often referred to as ribbons of life along our waterways because of the large numbers of species they benefit.  Coastal vegetation shades incubating surf smelt eggs, keeping them cooler during the hot summer months when low tides generally occur during the day.  Loss of vegetation along the shore is also important to juvenile salmon as healthy marine vegetated areas provide organic input, and food (insects) to young salmon migrating through shallow waters.  Shoreline vegetation also stabilizes the shoreline, and provides habitat for a multitude of wildlife species.

Some benefits of healthy coastal forests:

• Shade for incubating forage fish (surf smelt) eggs

• Stabilization of banks and reduced erosion

• Nutrients (invertebrates, leaf litter) for the marine food web

• Cleaner water

• Wildlife habitat

• Beautiful scenery