Abundant live and dead Foraminifera having different degrees of calcification were found in samples collected in bays, marshes, and lagoons along the northeastern coast of the United States. Live standing crops of uncalcified, "chitin-like" Foraminifera have not been discussed previously in detail, and specific reasons for the occurrence of abundant multi-chambered "chitinous" inner linings have not been postulated.

The bottom sediment at all locations from which a large live standing crop of uncalcified Foraminifera or abundant inner "chitinous" linings was recovered consists of fine silt and clay with abundant fecal pellets and (or) decomposed vegetation. This supports previous observations that low pH conditions are important in the occurrence of these forms.

However, results of the present study make it possible to suggest that the presence of a particularly acid alga which lives in the areas collected may be a specific cause of local lack of calcification in live standing crops of Foraminifera, and that bottom-dwelling invertebrates play a significant role in the local environment by consuming calcareous Foraminifera and excreting their "chitinous" linings.

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