A mosaic of life
The sea is home to an extraordinary diversity of organisms, both animal and plant.
Some, such as fish, move freely by swimming; others live suspended in the water, such as plankton; and many remain fixed to rocks or on the sandy seabed, such as algae and numerous invertebrate animals.
This variety of life forms allows marine ecosystems to function in a balanced and dynamic way.
Marine invertebrates: the great unknowns
Marine invertebrates, despite being the most numerous group of animals on the planet, remain largely unknown. Yet their presence is essential to maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
Small organisms, essential functions
Corals, molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms and many other invertebrates perform key functions such as water filtration, nutrient recycling and habitat creation for other species.
Among the marine organisms that inhabit this space, the following stand out:
