Marshes and other vegetation in the estuaries protect marine life and water quality by filtering sediment and pollution. They also provide barriers against damaging storm waves and floods. Estuaries also have economic, recreational, and aesthetic value. People love water sports and visit estuaries to boat, fish, swim, and just enjoy their beauty. As a result, the economy of many coastal areas is based primarily on the natural beauty and bounty of their estuaries.
Estuaries often have ports serving shipping, transportation, and industry.
Healthy estuaries support profitable, commercial fisheries. This relationship between plants, animals, and humans makes up an estuary's ecosystem. When its components are in balance, plant and animal life flourishes. Because of our love of the water, almost half of the United States population now lives in coastal areas, including shores of estuaries. In addition, coastal counties are growing three times faster than anywhere else.