1. Aquatic Ecosystems Objectives:
Describe the characteristics of coastal wetlands, mangroves, salt marshes, coral reefs and oceans.
Describe human impacts on each of the above ecosystems.

2. Freshwater Ecosystems
Coastal Wetland/Estuary
Salt marshes
Mangrove Swamps
Shores
Coral Reefs
Oceans

3. Coastal Wetlands/Estuaries
Estuary – an area in which fresh water from a river mixes with salt water from the ocean
Absorb excess rain and provides flood control
Filter out pollutants and sediments
Provide reaction like boating, fishing, hunting
Provide nesting grounds and protection to juveniles
Provide humans with food (shellfish and fish) and jobs (shipping and trade)

4. New Jersey and New York Estuaries

5. New Jersey and New York Estuaries

6. Local Estuary Life Oysters Falcons Eelgrass Gulls Eels Horseshoe crabs
Ducks
Jellyfish
Cord grass
Striped bass
Harbor seals

7. Threats to Estuaries Residential and Commercial Development
Drawing of Manhattan Island 1600’s
Manhattan Island today

8. Threats to Estuaries Pollution / Sewage
Over-harvesting of fish/shellfish
Dredging – removing sediment from the bottom of estuaries creates deeper water so ships can navigate, but has destroyed grass beds that were the a food source
Invasive Species – animals that do not belong in this habitat are accidentally released