In the understory are lyonia, wax myrtle, some hollies and scattered oaks. Estuarine Wetlands Salt marshes and mangroves act as a transition from surrounding uplands and can filter runoff and act as a buffer from developed areas. Critical for the health of the surrounding bay, these habitats stabilize intertidal sediments and provide protection to the shoreline and wildlife. Mangroves are nursery areas for sport and commercial species of fish. Red, white and black mangroves form a fringe around the entire point.
Salt marshes are among the most productive ecosystems in the world.
Inshore Submerged Habitats Seagrass beds, oyster bars, mudflats and salterns are characterized by their high productivity, and specie diversity. Shoal and turtle grass dominate most seagrass beds, with patchy areas of manatee grass. Many organisms depend directly upon seagrasses for their survival. Small fish, crustaceans, annelids, mollusks and echinioderms find food and cover. The mud flats and oyster reefs provide habitat for invertebrates, fish and birds.