in some waterfront areas, driftwood is a major nuisance. however, the driftwood provides shelter and food for birds, fish and other aquatic species as it floats in the ocean. gribbles, shipworms and bacteria decompose the wood and gradually turn it into nutrients that are reintroduced to the food web. sometimes, the partially decomposed wood washes ashore, where it also shelters birds, plants, and other species. driftwood can become the foundation for sand dunes.