Sea life the “Other Wildlife”

Peter Haaker and Marty Golden, Biologist Docents

Although most people come to enjoy the many different species of birds that visit the Refuge, there is also the hidden wildlife of the salt marsh. Something that you may overlook is that the salt marsh is teeming with Sea life and one of the reasons that the birds stop to visit. Sea life is the other wildlife of the Refuge that consists of Marine Invertebrates, Fish and Mammals. Get into the mud at the Mud Station on our Monthly Tour of the Refuge, as our Biologist docents examine samples of the various species of Sea life.

Microscopic life on Algae

Look closely at the Algae and Seaweed and discover a microscopic world of marine invertebrates. Docents with microscopes help visitors see what is happening on the plant and algae habitat. Numerous species can be identified on a single blade of Eel grass. Sea Turtles don’t see this. They just see algae and Eel grass as food and all these organisms give them the nutrients they need. The Salt Marsh is the nursery ground for many fish species that depend on these microorganisms and the life cycle it creates.

Sea Life Portfolio

Explore the creatures that live in the mud and waters of the Salt Marsh at Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge. The photos below are a small sample of what you may find.