Why are estuaries important for biodiversity?

Estuaries play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity because they serve as transitional habitats where freshwater from rivers meets saltwater from the ocean. This unique environment creates a rich mixture that supports a diverse array of species, including fish, birds, invertebrates, and vegetation. The varying salinity levels and nutrient availability in estuaries foster conditions conducive to the growth and survival of numerous organisms.

In addition to being a habitat, estuaries provide essential resources such as food and shelter, which are vital for various life stages of species that rely on these areas for spawning, feeding, and refuge. They often serve as nursery grounds for many marine species, leading to increased population densities and diversity. As such, the importance of estuaries to biodiversity cannot be overstated, making them critical ecosystems for sustaining a wide variety of life forms.