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Sep 18

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Estuaries

These areas, where fresh and saltwater mix, provide many economic, recreational and biological benefits.

Image credit: Matthew Kirwan, USGS

Transcript of the Audio Podcast:

Where the river meets the sea … on this CurrentCast.

Estuaries form along the coast in partially enclosed areas where freshwater from rivers or streams mixes with saltwater. They’re known by many names, including bays, lagoons, or even harbors.

Plants in estuarine wetlands, swamps and marshes filter out pollutants that wash downstream. They also prevent erosion and stabilize shorelines, protecting valuable real estate against flooding waters and storm surges. Known as nurseries of the seas, sheltered waters of estuaries are used by many fish to spawn and are havens for other marine life and shore birds. Protecting or restoring estuaries will ensure our coasts remain healthy and vibrant.

Support for CurrentCast comes from the Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas. Learn more online at http://www.currentcast.org.

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