The estuary is the area where the fresh water from the creeks and rivers meets the salty water of the ocean. Near the estuary you can find wetlands, saltmarsh, the mangrove forest, mudflats, seagrass and the open water.

Figure 1: shows some of the types of areas you
might find where the fresh water meets the salt water.

Because the estuary is close to the beach and river it has become a popular place for humans to build their homes, for marinas and ports, canal estates, and industrial sites. Estuaries are also used for fishing and other recreation(swimming and boating).

 

Why do people go the estuary to fish?

Fish breed here using the mangrove areas as a baby nursery. If we didn't have healthy estuaries and mangrove forests then we wouldn't have many of the fish that we eat.

The animals and plants of the estuary area are very special because they have to be able to tolerate a changing environment. If it has rained alot then there is more freshwater in the estuary. If the tide is coming in then the animals have to be able to cope with the higher salinity.

Crabs, eels, dugongs and crocodiles can live in estuaries. These areas are home to many insects and birds living in the grasses and trees.