Coastal ecosystems are different in the aspect that some support life more than others does. There are numerous coastal ecosystems. The first is open-ocean ecosystems. At its core, this ecosystem has its nutrients distributed primarily by ocean currents. Notably, this ecosystem is the hadal zone's surface that has numerous organisms ranging from mussels to tube worms. Microbes support the livelihood of these microorganisms. There is also phytoplankton found in nutrient-rich areas and are depended on as the primary food source in this ecosystem.
The second ecosystem comprises coral reefs. A coral reef at its core is made up of masses of corals. Corals depend on passing foods which they capture with their tentacles. Their other survival mode is dependent on the symbiotic relationship they have with oceanic algae. Mangroves characterize the third ecosystem. Usually, they grow along the shores of the ocean on the coastlines. Their roots host fish, snakes, and shellfish, while the birds depend on the tree foliage as a food source. The fourth ecosystem is the Tidal environment. These ecosystems are characterized by estuaries, bays, and rivers that find their way into the ocean.
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The ecosystems mentioned above are under threat from human disturbances. The disposal of plastic debris in oceans is harmful as they interfere with currents' convergence by accumulating. Also, spills from ships and oil tankers interfere with the growth of food for the microorganisms. The rationale is based on the blockage of air crucial for photosynthesis. Another form of human disturbance on these ecosystems stems from pollution from sewerages and toxic levels of mercury, which are harmful to fish species' survival in these ecosystems. These disturbances must be reduced to conserve the coastal ecosystems.
