The Circle of Life: From Land to Sea and Back Again
The tidal flats of Kinkowan Bay are key to the bay’s food chain, which sustains the local flora and fauna.
1 - From Land
When rain falls onto land, it absorbs nutrients from humus (decomposed leaves and plant matter) along with the remains and droppings of wild creatures as it is seeps into the ground and slowly flows into rivers.
2 - To Tidal Flats
The nutrients in river water are first absorbed by phytoplankton and microorganisms, which are in turn consumed by zooplankton. The remaining nutrients and plankton are eaten by crabs, shellfish, bristle worms, and other creatures living in the tidal flats.
3 - To the Ocean
The creatures of the tidal flats are consumed by birds, small fish, and occasionally humans. The small fish are consumed by larger fish, which are then eaten by humans, dolphins, and other carnivorous creatures.
4 - Back to the Land
Humans, birds, and other living creatures return the nutrients to the land in the form of waste or detritus, which decompose and start the cycle again.