Coral

Oceans Oceanography Study of the physical ocean Cover 71% of the Earth Contains 97% of its surface water Marine Ecosystems Cover 70% of the Earth?s surface Essential for: Biodiversity, Terrestrial Health, Production of O2, Climate and Food. Estuaries Coastal Partly enclosed One or more rivers flow into them Water is brackish (a mixture of fresh and salt water) Estuaries are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth Makes lots of biomass Lots of plant growth/m2 A lot of life in the area Nurseries for fish, crustaceans and vertebrates Services Aquatic nurseries Protected harbors Commercial Fishing, Recreational Fishing Habitat for non-aquatic animals, such as bald eagles, shorebirds Threats Many near populated areas May be filled for development Pollutants