estuary

Regions of interaction between rivers and near-shore ocean waters, where tidal action and river flow mix fresh and salt water; a semi-enclosed coastal body of water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea. Such areas include bays, mouths of rivers, salt marshes, and lagoons. These brackish water ecosystems shelter and feed marine life, birds, and wildlife. Estuaries typically include adjoining wetlands.

Authorization Path: 2.5.7.2.27.0