Plankton floats on the surface of the sea, fish of all sizes move through different depths of water, and shellfish live on sub-tidal reefs and on the seabed. Dolphins and whales are sometimes seen in Victorian waters, and seals can be found on and around the rocky islands. Chapter one gives a summary of these principles and processes, and a brief description of the geology and habitats of coastal Victoria. The coast is the transition between sea and land and the two zones are connected. What happens on land affects the sea and what happens in the sea affects the land.
Organisms living at the interface have to be able to cope with both types of environment.
Understanding the relationships between terrestrial and marine organisms and their surroundings is critical in coastal planning and management. Freshwater, sediments and nutrients are transported from land to sea, constantly changing coastal ecosystems. Rainfall flows as runoff into rivers, estuaries, lagoons and artificial waterways and eventually makes its way to the coast. Rivers, streams and other waterways transport sediment to the coast. Gravel and sand is deposited to beaches, silt, sand and clay settles in mudflats, wetlands and mangrove swamps.