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Information on Plants That Live in Marine Estuaries

Marine estuaries are places where freshwater empties into the ocean and mixes with saltwater. Estuaries are the homes of a surprising number of flora and fauna. Estuary soil is some of the richest soil on Earth and promotes growth, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This growth creates estuary habitats for several plant and animal species.

  1. Marine Estuary Plants

    • Marine estuaries promote the establishment of fresh and saltwater marshes and swamplands. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, algae, marsh grasses, mangroves and sea grasses are common in estuary habitats. Marine estuary plants provide pollution filters for contaminated waters moving from land to sea.

    Plant Pollution Filtration

    • Aquatic plants are adept at pollution filtration and control, reports the EPA. Aquatic plants can aid in breaking down pollutants and contaminants in water and soil. Aquatic plants are so good at pollution control that wastewater treatment plants across North America and Europe use aquatic plant reed beds to turn harmful solid wastes into useful biosolid fertilizers.

    Organic Matter Buildup

    • Freshwater delivers many nutrients and detritus--the remains of dead plants and animals--to estuaries. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection reports that this nutrient delivery system results in soil and water that is especially nutrient-rich in estuary systems. The buildup of organic matter created when algae, bacteria and fungi break down into nutrients for plant and animal use is significant. As long as freshwater flows are undisturbed, marine estuaries create nutrient-rich habitats.

    Necessary Habitats

    • Many plants and animals depend on marine estuaries for survival. The United States has mangrove swamps in Florida, Louisiana and Texas. Mangrove swamps grow well in marine estuaries. According to the Florida DEP, endangered brown pelicans build rookeries--breeding and nesting areas--in Florida marine estuaries.

    The Animal Magnetism of Estuaries

    • Estuaries are often called the "nurseries of the sea," according to the EPA. Most commercially important fish, crustaceans and shellfish, including salmon, shrimp and oysters, spend all or part of their lifecycle in marine estuaries. Estuaries provide an excellent area for migrating birds to stop, rest and refuel, and many bird species build their rookeries in southern estuary habitats.

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