In celebration of the annual National Estuaries Week (3rd week of September), we are sharing why estuaries are such an important part of our work here at the Coastal Land Trust.
A transitional zone where freshwater rivers converge with water from the ocean, estuaries are unique, complex systems that offer critical natural habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, provide crucial environmental services, and act as a protective buffer between land and ocean.
Many marine organisms depend on estuaries at some point during their development for habitat and shelter, feeding, and reproduction. Estuaries also act as a filtration system for sediment and pollutants that flow from inland rivers and drainages, creating cleaner water for both people and marine life. Additionally, estuaries act as a crucial buffer between land and ocean by absorbing flood water and dissipating storm surges, which protects upland habitat and coastal residential communities.
Although estuaries are resilient, the continuous increase in development, impervious surfaces, runoff, and habitat loss are compounding stressors for these ecosystems. As estuaries become more vulnerable, so do all of the communities that benefit from their existence.
Because of how crucial estuarian habitat is to the ecological integrity of the NC coast, the Coastal Land Trust has focused many conservation efforts on these ecosystems including several protected properties along the lower Cape Fear River and Neuse River (pictured).
Thanks to your donors for supporting the health of these habitats!
Photo: Scott Pohlman
Source: EPA
