Estuaries, A Happy Place For Fish

Abstract

Anchovies, salmon, sardines, gobies, mullets, flounder, bass, barbels, eels, shad, and even sharks—what do they have in common? Well, at certain points in their lives you may find them in estuaries, the final sections of rivers before they meet the ocean. Some fish live in estuaries their entire lives. However, some fish species prefer living in the freshwater parts of estuaries, others only live close to the ocean, and a few others spread throughout the estuary. Some species prefer living close to the bottom, some in marshes, and some constantly swim around in the estuary. Some prefer eating other fish, while other species like worms, or insects, or microscopic animals. Unfortunately, many estuarine species are in danger, and all because of humans. In this article, we will tell you why estuaries are such special places for fish and describe some of the species that call the San Francisco Estuary their home.