Water Smart: Water on Earth - Estuaries

An estuary is a body of water where rivers meet the ocean, providing a unique habitat for diverse species including fish, birds, and other animals. These environments support life that transitions between ocean and river ecosystems and are popular fishing areas.

What is an estuary?

• A river that flows into a lake

• A type of ocean

• A body of water where the ocean meets a river

• A large freshwater lake

Which of the following is NOT a habitat provided by estuaries?

• Desert animals

• River creatures

• Sea life

• Birds

What kind of creatures can be found in the water of an estuary?

• Only ocean creatures

• Only river creatures

• Creatures that live in both ocean and river

• Only freshwater fish

Why are estuaries popular fishing areas?

• They are always calm

• They contain a variety of fish

• They are easy to access

• They have no predators

Which part of an estuary's ecosystem supports both ocean and river life?

• The sandy shores

• The air

• The water

• The forested areas