This Topic deals with the occurrence of marine invertebrates in Nova Scotia waters, The marine environment includes the diverse intertidal habitats (H2.1 - H2.5), the ocean bottom (H1.2) and water of the open sea (H1.1). Common species are included in the habitat descriptions.

The Canadian Atlantic marine fauna is generally well known, since it has been studied for more than a century. Significantly more effort has been expended on studies in intertidal and shallow nearshore habitats than in offshore areas. Marine research in Atlantic Canada has always had a strong relationship with fisheries, and to a great extent the study of invertebrates and marine plants for their own sake was neglected. In recent years, however, much new information has been obtained through the efforts of universities and government research agencies. This reflects the realization that all commercial species interact with other species to maintain balanced ecosystems.

A general review of the literature suggests there are approximatley 1600 species of marine invertebrates. At least 400 of them spend some stage of their life as plankton. These species numbers are conservative estimates.

This Document Includes:

Diversity
Distribution

Subarctic Fauna
Boreal Fauna
Temperate Fauna
Warm Temperate and Tropical Fauna

Ecological Relationship
Special Features

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Additional Keywords:
oyster bed fauna, sea urchin, disease, Blue Crab, Calico Crab, wasting disease, Eel Grass, Limpet, Paramoeba invadens, Common Periwinkle, Green Crab, Awning Clam, Truncate Borer Clam, Angel Wing, jellyfish, Portuguese Man-of-war, LionŐs Mane, Moon Jelly, Mauve Stinger, Atlantic Surf Clam, Ocean Quahog

Associated Topics:

T3.5 Offshore Bottom Characteristics
T4.3 Post-glacial Colonization by Animals
T6.2 Oceanic Environments
T6.3 Coastal Aquatic Environments
T6.4 Estuaries
T11.14 Marine Fishes

Associated Habitats:

H1 Offshore
H2 Coastal