What Does the Estuary Do

Estuaries filter out sediments and pollutants from rivers and streams before they flow into the ocean, providing cleaner waters for humans and marine life.

What are 3 functions of estuaries?

• They act like buffers, protecting lands from crashing waves and storms.
• They help prevent soil erosion.
• They soak up excess flood water and tidal surges.
• They are important feeding and/or nursery habitat for commercially and ecologically important fish and invertebrates, and migrating birds.

What is unique about an estuary?

Estuaries are home to unique plant and animal communities that have adapted to brackish water—a mixture of fresh water draining from the land and salty seawater. … Estuaries are among the most productive ecosystems in the world. Many animals rely on estuaries for food, places to breed, and migration stopovers.