Estuarine Ecosystem: An Overview

Abstract

Estuaries are unique spots on our planet, which are situated and sandwiched between the continents and the seas. Penetrated by the sea through the recurring tides and flushed by the freshwater outflows of the lotic system, an estuary is a dynamic system where the freshwater meets seawater. Blessed by the fertile flows of both the seas and the rivers; these fascinating biotopes are by far the most productive ecosystem on our planet; the abode of unique species of plants and animals; the cradle of several species of finfish; the nursery of commercially important shellfish; the reservoir of food, chemicals, mineral, oils and natural gas; and the ideal spots for tourism and aquaculture.