Microscopic algae and bacteria

Community type

Tidal flats

Habitat type

Saltmarsh and tidal flats

Highly diverse microscopic communities of bacteria and algae busily work away to process organic matter and nutrients. These producers are at the bottom of the food chain, and are fed on by a high diversity of burrowing invertebrates.

Much of the text within the species area of our website was written by Veronica Thorpe, as part of the Derwent River Wildlife Guide (2000).

The DEP has developed a variety of classroom and outdoor activities focused around the key estuary habitats of tidal wetlands, salt marshes and rocky reefs. These include classroom materials, online resources, interpretive walks, games and sensory experiences.