Estuaries By: Ms. Messer

These are found where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with salt water from the ocean along a coast.

Where in the world?

Estuaries in the US

Mixture of fresh and saltwater Temperatures are consistent year round

because of the connection to the ocean, but will depend on the depth of water

Typically large amounts of rainfall in the summer months, but a yearly average of 50-60cm of rain.

Estuaries typically experience all four seasons

Abiotic Factors of an Estuary

Plants found in Estuaries

Mangroves

SeagrassPurple Loosestrife

Animals found in Estuaries

Mud Crab

Cockles

White faced heron

Plants that grow in estuaries must contend with exposure to wind and strong currents, as well as low oxygen levels and salty conditions.

They have adaptations to tolerate high levels of salt in the water.

Plant Adaptations

Read about the adaptation of the blue crab.

Animal Adaptations

Commensalism- Barnacles are a well-documented example of commensalism. They hook themselves to another organism such as a fish, and while they don't really harm it, they do get some benefit by having a place to stay. It also helps that this means they are dragged through the water quickly, since they are filter feeders.

Symbiotic Relationships in Estuaries

Boating, fishing, swimming, surfing, and bird watching are just a few of the numerous recreational activities people enjoy in estuaries. Unique estuarine habitats makes them valuable laboratories for scientists and students. Estuaries also provide a great deal of aesthetic enjoyment for the people who live, work, or use them for recreation.

Why should I visit an estuary?

Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve Morro Bay Estuary

Estuary Nature Preserves

Because we use the coastline for recreation, we are endangering our estuaries by polluting the water and building on the lands surrounding them. These activities can contribute to unsafe drinking water, beach and shellfish bed closings, harmful algae blooms, declines in fisheries, loss of habitat, fish kills, and a host of other human health and natural resource problems.

Environmental Threats to Estuaries

Endangered Species in an Estuary

West Indian Manatee

Green Sturgeon

The species on the previous slide are endangered due to human activities such a boating, pollution from boats, and climate change (increasing global temperatures from too much carbon dioxide produced).

Endangered Species in Estuaries

Why do we care about estuaries?

Click HERE to find out!