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Home > Coastal and floodplains > Estuaries

Estuaries in NSW

Why are estuaries important?

Wildlife

Estuaries are critical for the survival of many species. Tens of thousands of birds, mammals, fish, and other wildlife depend on estuarine habitats as places to live, feed, and reproduce. Estuaries provide ideal spots for migratory birds to rest and refuel during their journeys. Many species of fish and shellfish rely on the sheltered waters of estuaries as protected places to spawn, giving them the nickname "nurseries of the sea."

Hundreds of marine organisms, including most commercially valuable fish species, depend on estuaries at some point during their development.

Wetlands

Besides serving as important habitat for wildlife, the wetlands that fringe many estuaries also perform other valuable services. Water draining from the catchment carries sediments, nutrients, and other pollutants. As the water flows through the marshes, much of the sediments and pollutants are filtered out. This filtration process creates cleaner and clearer water, which benefits both people and marine life.

Wetland plants and soils also act as a natural buffer between the land and ocean, absorbing flood waters and dissipating storm surges. This protects land based organisms as well as valuable real estate from storm and flood damage. Salt marsh grasses, mangroves and other estuarine plants also help prevent erosion and stabilise the shoreline.

Recreational

Boating, fishing, swimming, diving, windsurfing, and bird watching are just a few of the numerous recreational activities people enjoy in estuaries.

Cultural

Estuaries are often the cultural centres of coastal communities, serving as the focal point for local commerce, tourism and recreation, due to historical transport routes that focused on shipping or have special significance for indigenous people.

Scientific

As transition zones between land and water, estuaries are invaluable laboratories for scientists and students, providing countless lessons in biology, geology, chemistry, physics, history, and social issues.

Asthetic

Estuaries also provide a great deal of aesthetic enjoyment for the people who live, work, or recreate in and around them.

Economic

The tangible and direct economic benefits of estuaries should not be overlooked. Tourism, fisheries, and other commercial activities thrive on the wealth of natural resources estuaries supply. For example commercial fishing is worth some $80 million per year, with recreational fishing estimated to be worth $500 million per year. The building industry sources sand and gravel from estuary areas worth over $100 million per year.

The protected coastal waters of estuaries also support important public infrastructure, serving as harbours and ports vital for shipping, transportation, and industry.