Tife Under Water in Morro Bay
by the Morro Bay National Estuary Program
Estuaries are among the most productive places on earth, providing shelter and food for a surprising number of species. Roughly 80% of the fish we eat spend part of their lives in the sheltered water of an estuary, earning them the nickname ‘Nurseries of the sea.’
Many people come to Morro Bay to see this diversity of life. Pelicans, migrating winter birds, sea otter, sea lions and seals entertain first time visitors and long-time residents alike. However, they are only a fraction of the incredible creatures who live here. It’s easy to miss some of the most interesting, and colorful, residents of the estuary – unless you are willing to don a thick wetsuit and explore under the water.
The cold, plankton-rich waters of the central coast generally support more life than warm tropical regions. Phytoplankton, a microscopic plant also known as microalgae, is a very abundant food source which forms the base of the ocean food chain. Despite their microscopic size, they produce half the world’s oxygen 1. Phytoplankton are so prevalent in Morro Bay that they commonly reduce visibility to no more than an arm’s length, making it hard to see the amazing creatures who live here. On a good day however, it is a truly amazing sight underwater.
Following is an assortment of some creatures found underwater in Morro Bay.
Anemone
Strawberry anemones (Corynactis californic) and Plumrose sea anemones (Metridium senile )can be exposed at low tide under docks and on pilings around Morro Bay, though they are best seen when water levels are just low enough to view them while still under shallow water. Strawberry anemones grow in colonies of approximately one inch individuals and reproduce by fission – splitting one individual in two identical versions.
Photo by Shawn Stamback: Strawberry anemone
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Photo by Chad Lortie: Plumrose sea anemone
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Fish
Juvenile lingcod and sculpin, as well as halibut, sand dabs and a variety of other bottom fish, are plentiful in Morro Bay, even if their camouflaged coloring makes them difficult to find.
Photo by Shawn Stamback: Juvenile lingcod
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Photo by Chad Lortie: Sculpin
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Nudibranch
Nudibranchs are often confused with sea slugs but the two are distinct biologically and not very closely related. Nudibranchs vary in size and color, and there are over 3,000 species of Nudibranchs. Underwater, they are surprisingly colorful.
Hermissenda
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All Photos by Chad Lortie
Clown nudibranch
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Shag rug nudibranch
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1. National Geographic News
2. Oregon State University
More information on this and other estuary related topics can be found at the Morro Bay National Estuary Program website.
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