Atlantic Marine Ecozone - Plants

Legend 1. Coastal barrens

Phytoplankton blooms that can turn the water green with life every spring are the first link in the food chain of the Atlantic Marine Ecozone. Marine plants such as seaweeds and kelp are prolific, especially in intertidal zones. Extensive salt marshes occur throughout the zone, particularly in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, but less frequently in Newfoundland and Labrador. These tidal wetlands are home to the highly salt-resistant Saltmarsh Cord Grass and Marsh Meadow Grass. The salt marshes can also support a variety of other plants, including Spike Grass, Wild Barley, Sea Lavender and Sea Plantain.