Mudflats are found between the elevations of Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) and Mean High Water (MHW) and typically occur between channel habitats and salt marsh habitats. Because they are intertidal, mudflats are usually covered with water during high tide and exposed during low tide.  The mudflats at the Slough make up 1605 acres, the largest aquatic habitat within the watershed.

The lower mudflats support some eelgrass and algal species but are mostly devoid of vegetation. Similar to the subtidal habitats, the soft sediment hosts a large variety of tiny invertebrates that provide food for a number of animals including migrating birds, sharks and otters.

We are currently featuring the following slough life from this habitat:

 

For a more complete look at the habitats of Elkhorn Slough, we recommend the book Changes in a California Estuary, available in our bookstore.