Seffen and Moravichik introduce estuaries by explaining how fresh water from rivers flows to the sea and mixes with salt water. Estuaries are Nature's water blender because in coastal regions fresh water from rivers meets salt water from the ocean and is mixed in many different ways. The different mix of saltwater and freshwater creates different habitats with a complex ecosystem. Estuaries are important for both the environment and the economy. Estuaries have very different average temperatures and precipitation due to the different regions in which they are located. Keeping estuaries healthy is important work around the world. Estuarine biomes are full of surprises (Seffen & Moravichik, 2008). According to the EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, estuaries are truly important to the economy and environment of every continent on which they are located. In the United States alone, 75% of commercial fishing comes from estuarine habitat. This adds $4.3 billion per year from estuaries to our economy. Healthy habitat from estuaries allows for the continued survival of many birds, animals, reptiles and various aquatic life. Estuaries also provide recreational activities and tourism is another boost to the economy (EPA, 2012). Estuaries offer many benefits. The natural barrier they provide can help prevent flooding, they help filter water in our oceans, fish are an important source of protein, and they help maintain fish populations in the ocean. Estuaries also provide work and recreation. As they are the most productive ecosystems in the world, they are extremely important to humanity. Not surprisingly, the biggest threat to estuaries is humans. Have they been compiled, dredged or cleaned... middle of paper... remappingfoundation.org/natmap/marine/estuary_animals.htmlEPA. (2012). Basic information on estuaries. Retrieved March 14, 2014, from http://water.epa.gov/type/oceb/nep/about.cfmNelson, R., Stenstorm, J., Audel, H., Coleman, J., Walker, M., Serengeti , S., & Tucker, D. (2003). Estuarine biome. Retrieved March 12, 2014, from http://thewildclassroom.com/biomes/estuaries.htmlSeffen, P., & Moravchik, B. (2008, March 25). Estuaries. Retrieved March 18, 2014, from http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/estuaries/htmlSeffen, P., & Moravchik, B. (2008, March 25). Estuaries 101 Middle School Curriculum. Retrieved March 11, 2014, from http://estuaries.noaa.gov/Teachers/estuaries.aspxWassilieff, M. (2012, July 13). 3. Estuarine Plants – Estuaries – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved March 12, 2014, from http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/estuaries/page-3