Benthic marine plants, most of them in larger forms, thrive in such abundance that they rule the basic natural characteristic of their communities. This type of taking over the communities, which is not unusual to plants dwelling in the land, is a quite extraordinary scenario in the sea.
If the near shore habitats are governed by benthic plants, the microscopic phytoplankton reign as the chief primary producers. However, in the near shore border the salt marshes, mangals and the likes of sea grass grow where the suitable bottom conditions, nutrients and light present.