Save The Bay’s Hamilton Family Aquarium

Marked by intense wave energy, dramatic tidal flux, and, of course, rocks of all sizes, this common Narragansett Bay habitat is still home to many forms of marine life. As sea levels rise, and coastal development demands increase, we must protect this unique habitat.

With smooth, sloping stretches of sand extending from dunes to the water, Narragansett Bay’s sandy shores are home to unique dune plants, filter feeders, like clams, nesting migratory birds, and much more. Unfortunately, sea level rise and coastal development threaten this unique habitat.

Salt marshes play an important role in Narragansett Bay’s ecosystems by filtering the freshwater that enters the Bay, providing nursery habitat and absorbing storm surge. Accelerated sea level rise, however, is drowning many marshes and compromising many of the species that depend on them.

Eelgrass beds create expansive underwater “meadows” perfect for a variety species, however eelgrass only thrives in very particular conditions: the water must be clean and clear, and the area free from disturbances. Pollution, warming waters, invasive species and human activity all threaten local eelgrass beds.

After beginning life in the Bay’s coastal habitats, many larger species make their way offshore, into deeper waters. Warming waters, and other climate change impacts, like shifting currents and weather patterns, pose challenges for the fish and plants that dwell here.

The collection of freshwater pools, streams, ponds and wetlands collectively referred to as the watershed habitats plays an important role in the water quality of the Bay, while also being home to dozens of unique species. 

Sandy bottom habitats are open underwater spaces, offering very little space for animals to find cover. With a lack of rocks and algae to hide behind, the animals that live here have adapted to hide beneath the sand, live in schools, or be constantly on the move. 

Darker waters—whether they’re the result of the time of day or the depth of the water—are home to some of the Bay’s most interesting species. Light pollution, marine construction and climate change can all alter the nature of these darker habitats.

If climate change and certain human activities continue unchecked, the changes to water conditions, temperatures and weather patterns will leave Bay waters looking very different than they do today.

This exhibit offers one possible future, highlighting warm-water-loving species that could make their way into local waters.