Coastal ecosystems are the foundation upon which much of Florida's natural beauty and economy are based. Seagrass, mangroves, salt marshes, beaches, dunes, coastal forests, and estuaries are important coastal ecosystems. Each provides breeding and nursery grounds, food, and cover for a wide variety of animals. (The Potential of Sea-level Rise on Florida's Coastal Ecosystems, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sg131