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The habitats

Estuaries are created where a river meets the sea. The environment is constantly changing as freshwater draining from the land is mixed with salty water from the incoming tide. Plants and animals have adapted to tolerate these changes in salinity and make use of the calmer waters and nutrient-rich waters.
Estuaries are especially important for young fish in the first years of their lives. The estuaries are shelters from the open seas, creating hiding places for the small fish from predators and storms. The estuaries also offer a range of smaller prey that young fish can feed on. Research has proven that estuaries are so important to the growth and development of young fish, that they have been named 'nursery areas' and need special protection.
Find out more about the estuarine habitats below and why they are important nursery areas.