Why is it important to protect estuaries?

Answer 1

Estuaries are vital parts of the marine ecosystem because they allow for two way traffic of fish and other animals between open water and enclosed bodies up stream. These areas are nutrient rich due to the complex variety of lower life forms (like plankton) and minerals found in both fresh and salt water. This then goes on to support the entire food chain.

They are also crucial because many species migrate either out to sea, or up stream to breed, and are incapable of breed elsewhere. Some species of trout for instance has to breed in the relatively still fresh water of lakes, but they will spend most of their adult lives in the large open waters of the ocean. These annual or semi-annual migrations help to feed the food chain all along the length of the river.

Answer 2

Estuaries are where rivers flow into the ocean. They are important as breeding grounds for many fishes and other organisms. It is often used by migratory waterfowl in addition to resident populations.

Answer 3

Estuaries provide many "ecosystem services." These are functions performed by natural systems that are necessary for human welfare. In the past, these functions were often overlooked and estuaries were considered useful only after they were "reclaimed" for human use. The following are some examples of how we benefit from estuaries.

Erosion control and storm surge protection: Vegetation in estuaries helps to anchor sediment and soil along river banks and shorelines. This prevents stream flows, rainwater and waves from scouring away the land. Estuaries also build up deposits of mud, silt and sand. This natural barrier helps to dissipate the energy of large waves that can otherwise inflict serious damage on human life and property.

Answer 4

It is important to protect estuaries because they serve as spawning and nursery grounds for many ecologically and commercially important fish and shell-fish invluding bluefish, strip bass, shrimp, and crabs

Hope this helps :)

Answer 5

•An estuary is a partly enclosed coastal body of water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea.