Beaches. Although varying in length, width, sand composition, and permanence, beaches are the most well-known coastal feature. A beach is defined as the location along a shoreline where the sediment is in motion, being moved by waves, tides, and currents.

Sandy shores constitute dynamic environments and unstable substrates, exposing plants and animals to varying and potentially harsh conditions. Moving sands, salt spray, nutrient-poor soils and rapidly changing conditions make it a difficult habitat to live in.

Humans impact the coastal environment such as the sandy shores in many ways including pollution, development, marine debris/littering, and many others. Human impacts to the sandy shore environment can have a negative effect on the delicate balance that exists between the abiotic and biotic components of the habitat.

Sandy shores are areas where deposits of sand or other sediments cover the shoreline. To beachgoers, sandy shores often appear to be devoid of life, made up only of sand, shells, and the occasional piece of driftwood.