Estuaries provide us with a wide range of resources, benefits, and services.
Estuaries provide places for habitat of valuable species of plants and animals,
recreational activities, scientific study, important centers for transportation,
and international commerce. Estuaries are irreplaceable natural resources
that must be managed carefully for the mutual benefit of all who enjoy and
demand on them.
• Estuaries rank among the most productive ecosystems on earth, but
they are also subject to considerable ecological degradation associated with the
loss and alteration of habitats and impairment of water quality due to multiple
anthropogenic and natural drivers of change
• Escalating population growth, urban and industrial development,
modification of coastal watersheds and estuarine basins, pollution inputs, and
overharvest of recreational and commercial species can threaten the system
structure and function and the sustainability of the system resources.
• Putting coconut fiber mat, planting marsh grass, and Mussels bed are
some activities that protect our estuaries and intertidal environment.
Why is the Intertidal Zone Important?
The intertidal or littoral zone maintains a balance between the land and the
sea. It provides a home to specially adapted marine plants and animals. Those
organisms, in turn, serve as food for many other animals.
The intertidal zone also staves off erosion caused by storms. Oyster reefs are
one such example of a protective feature. This helps protect the structures built
by people.
The intertidal zone is also an important indicator for climate change on marine
organisms.
The intertidal zone is a delicate ecosystem, threatened by rising sea levels due
to climate change. Development by humans threatens the intertidal zone as
well.
Changes in temperature due to climate change also threaten the organisms
outright.
The intertidal zone is also susceptible to pollution and trash. When you explore a
beach, rocky shores or tide pools, leave shells for the hermit crabs. Collect any
trash you see. Volunteer to help conserve this fascinating ecosystem.
• Estuaries serve as the breeding ground of organisms that play a vital role
in the balance of nature.
• There are so many ways in protecting and conserving our estuaries but
the simplest and easiest way to conserve is to conserve water and native
plants which do not require fertilizers.
• According to study, the economy of many coastal areas is based primarily
on the natural beauty and bounty of estuaries. When those natural
resources are imperiled, so are the livelihoods of those who live and work
in estuarine watersheds.
• The use of fertilizers, sewage from falling septic tanks, pet waste,
wastewater discharge from industrial facilities, sediment from construction
sites, and the rapid increase in population are the main reasons that
makes estuarine system imbalance.
