Estuaries are transitional ecosystems between marine and fluvial environments, characterized by the mixing of freshwater from rivers with saltwater from the sea. These unique environments are ecologically vital, playing crucial roles in biodiversity, species preservation, and human life.
From a biological standpoint, estuaries are true nurseries of life. The mixing of waters results in salinity gradients that provide a rich diversity of habitats, ranging from mangroves to seagrass beds. This diversity of environments supports a vast array of species, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, birds, and aquatic mammals.
Estuaries are ecosystems of immense biological and socioeconomic importance. They host rich biodiversity and perform critical ecological functions, serving as breeding and growth areas for many species. The connection with humans is profound, offering essential ecosystem services and sustaining local economies and cultures. Protecting and conserving estuaries is vital to ensuring the health of the oceans and the well-being of human populations that depend on them.
