Tidal jurisdiction includes all submerged lands, salt marsh, sand dunes, tidal flats, and an upland tidal buffer zone that extends 100 feet from the highest observable tideline. The State owns the ocean bottom and submerged lands up to the syzygy high tide, which is the highest predictable tide, and regulates other areas under its police powers. Tidal flats are broad, relatively level areas that are alternately flooded and exposed by the tide. There is little vegetation, but there is usually a rich fauna of burrowing invertebrates. Sand flats are similar to mud flats but the grain size is larger.
Tidal marshes are vegetated areas flowed by the tide.
The vegetation is composed of species that are tolerant of both periodic flooding and high salinity. Coastal sand dunes are formed by the sand blown from beaches. Well established dunes provide significant protection against storm driven tides. American Beach Grass Ammophila breviligulata plays a significant role in both building and stabilizing dunes. A trough or swale is normally found behind a primary dune .