Estuaries are dynamic environments where complex interactions take place between the atmosphere, the coastal ocean, the adjacent land, and human infrastructure. These coastal environments serve as valuable ecological habitat for a large number of species of plants and animals, and provide numerous ecosystem services and recreational opportunities. However, they are constantly being modified by physical processes – such as storms and sea-level rise – and their ecosystem function is threatened by anthropogenic impacts – such as deforestation, urbanization, and nutrient loading.
