Estuaries

Introduction

Estuaries are unique ecosystems where freshwater and salt water mix. Freshwater and ocean species may interact in these places, and migratory species such as birds and certain fish species use estuaries as they travel between biomes.

Benefits of Estuaries

Biodiversity

These are super important ecosystems as they host some countless species year round, as well as both aquatic and air-born migrators generation after generation.

Acidification

Ocean acidification is negatively impacting many ecosystems including seagrass meadows and reefs. Data shows that estuaries can have lower acidification, perhaps helping to protect our oceans from our mistreatment. - Study of Estuaries Finds Lower Acidification than in Oceans

Flood Control

Permeable spaces, particularly wetlands help protect our communities and lands from flooding and sea-level rise. The healthier and less impeded or altered they are, the better they function.

Species

Always check the native range of species before introducing/using them in a project. Introducing invasive species often causes more harm than good!

Animals

Birds

Some birds live in estuaries year round, while others rely on them as resting spots along their migratory routes. 

Click the Birds button to learn more about birds and how to help them.

Plants & Algae

Seagrasses

Depending on salinity levels, many types of seagrass can't live in estuaries, while other plants which are salt-tolerant may be well suited to estuaries.

Waterweeds

Invasives

Projects

North America

USA

Delaware

Oceana

Australia

Resources & Guides

Oceana

Australia

NSW

Queensland

Organizations

Europe

North America

USA