Publisher's Synopsis
Estuaries are semi-enclosed coastal bodies of water that have free connection with the open sea and within which sea water mixes with fresh water. A key defining feature of an estuary is that it is an interface between sea water and fresh water and there is an influence of the ocean tide creating a dynamic relationship between the two waters. Estuaries contain critical habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species. They serve as nursery habitats for fish, crustaceans, and shellfish, and foraging habitat for birds and mammals (Weinstein 1979) while providing a multitude of recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, and bird watching. These are fragile ecosystems vulnerable to impacts caused by uses and changes to the landscape.
