Estuary
An estuary is a semi-enclosed body of water where fresh water mixes with salt water. As the fresh water from rivers and streams moves toward the ocean, it mixes with the salty seawater. Although the tides can affect the conditions of an estuary, the surrounding land protects the waters of an estuary from the full force of winds, ocean waves and storms. Estuaries are considered to be the most productive ecosystems in nature. In fact, 75 percent of commercial fish and 80 to 90 percent of recreational fish are dependent upon estuaries. But adequate inflow of fresh water is essential to maintain this ecosystem.