Tidal Marshes along the coast of California help reduce the impacts of climate change by maintaining stable shore banks. They also serve to improve water quality by filtering nutrients and pollution that come from runoff. Tidal marshes are also important habitat zones for many diverse species.

The Intertidal Zone is an incredibly diverse ecosystem along the California coast. This habitat occupies the space between the land and the sea. Variability in temperature, salinity, moisture, and sunlight, the species in this habitat have incredible adaptations that help them survive these changing conditions. This also makes it a highly delicate ecosystem, as permanent changes in habitat condition can lead to catastrophic die-offs that disrupt the food chain. Similar to other coastal ecosystems, the Intertidal Zone helps stabilize erosion. The Intertidal Zone receives help from oyster reefs that serve as protective structures against heavy storms.

Sand Beaches and dunes help control coastal erosion by providing sediment stabilization. Plant communities along the sandy beaches contribute to the buildup of sand dunes which protect against heavy storm surges.