Coastal ecology is a branch of ecology that focuses on the study of interactions between organisms and their environment in coastal ecosystems. This field examines the dynamics of coastal habitats such as beaches, estuaries, salt marshes, and mangrove forests, as well as the impact of human activities on these ecosystems. Coastal ecology research often involves studying the abundance and distribution of species, nutrient cycling, and the role of physical factors such as tidal patterns and waves in shaping these ecosystems. This research is important for understanding how coastal ecosystems function, and for informing conservation and management strategies to protect these valuable and fragile environments.