National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Assateague Island National Seashoreasis
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Assateague Island National Seashore
Oceans
 
The ocean acts to constantly sculpt the shore by transporting sand to and from offshore areas and along the coastline itself. 23 kb

John Collins

Sunrise over the Atlantic

The Atlantic Ocean lies along the eastern side of Assateague Island, with the park's boundary extending ½ mile into its waters. The ocean acts to constantly sculpt the shore by transporting sand to and from offshore areas and along the coastline itself, and by occasionally washing sediments over the island and depositing them in the bay to the west.
 

Many animals living on Assateague depend on the ocean as a source of food. Gulls feed on the abundant fish and shellfish, as evidenced by debris from shells dropped onto rocks, roads, and boardwalks hard surfaces. Dolphins, too, hunt among the off-shore schools of fish, as do many commercial and recreational fishermen.

 

The oceans around Assateague contain vast amounts of plankton. Phytoplankton produces as much as 80% of the Earth’s oxygen and serves as the first level in marine food webs. Along with zooplankton, it provides a food source for organisms ranging in size from small fish and invertebrates up to huge, filter-feeding whales.

 
Sea turtle hatchlings from the Assateague Island beach in Virginia. 12 kb

USFWS

Sea turtle hatchlings

Water temperature in the surrounding ocean fluctuates throughout the year. In winter temperatures dip to near 40 °F, while during a warm summer the water can reach into the middle to upper 70’s. As the temperature and weather conditions change, so do the animals inhabiting the offshore waters. Many species of fish, birds, marine mammals, and sea turtles migrate up and down the coast, following the most favorable conditions.

Did you know that horseshoe crabs may save your life? 2 kb  

Did You Know?
...that horseshoe crabs may save your life? A protein in their blood is used to test injectable drugs for bacterial contamination.

Last Updated: August 27, 2006 at 15:20 EST