Estuaries, Vital Marine Habitats, Rapidly Vanishing Globally

Estuaries, the essential marine habitats known as the "nurseries of the sea," are rapidly vanishing around the world, according to a recent report. The study found that nearly half of the world's estuaries have been altered by human activity, with 20% of this loss occurring in just the past 35 years.

Using satellite data, researchers measured changes at 2,396 estuaries between 1984 and 2019. They discovered that over 100,000 hectares of estuary have been converted into urban or agricultural land, primarily in rapidly developing Asian countries. In contrast, high-income countries have experienced little estuary loss in the past 35 years, as extensive alteration had already occurred during their own phases of rapid development.

Why this matters: The rapid disappearance of estuaries has significant implications for marine life, coastal communities, and the global environment. These vital habitats serve as breeding grounds and nurseries for many fish and shellfish species, and their loss could have cascading effects on ocean ecosystems and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.

Some high-income countries are now recognizing the damage and investing in restoring estuaries to help reduce flood risk, increase climate resilience, replenish fish populations, and allow nature to recover. For example, in the United States, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has announced a $1.5 billion commitment to support Everglades restoration, which is essential for improving water quality in the Lake Worth Lagoon. The funding will go towards projects designed to filter out pollutants and improve water quality in the region.

In Massachusetts, the Town of Bourne has been awarded over $330,000 in federal funds to help restore wetlands at a retired cranberry bog. The restoration project aims to reestablish vegetation, support plant and animal species, and provide refuge for marine life. The Town of Yarmouth will also receive $4.7 million to restore 57 acres of coastal wetlands at retired cranberry bogs and replace a concrete fishway with a natural channel.

The Buzzards Bay Coalition in Massachusetts has been working for 15 years to acquire undeveloped land on the east side of the Acushnet River estuary in Fairhaven and Acushnet. The area is a coastal ecosystem with salt marshes and maritime forests, but has been abandoned due to PCB contamination from the nearby New Bedford Harbor. The Coalition plans to open the property to public access once the ongoing harbor cleanup is completed.

These restoration efforts in the United States highlight the growing recognition of the importance of estuaries and the need to protect and restore these vital habitats. As the global loss of estuaries continues, it is essential for countries around the world to invest in conservation and restoration efforts to safeguard these "nurseries of the sea" for future generations.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly half of the world's estuaries have been altered by human activity.
• Over 100,000 hectares of estuaries converted to urban/agricultural land since 1984.
• Estuaries are vital habitats, serving as breeding grounds for marine life.
• Some countries investing in estuary restoration to improve water quality, resilience.
• Urgent need for global conservation and restoration efforts to protect estuaries.