The estuary is a critically important ecosystem, providing essential habitat and ecosystem services for many aquatic and terrestrial species. The physical and chemical processes that occur in estuaries are also important for regulating the overall health of coastal ecosystems. Some of the key benefits provided by estuaries include: 1. Providing a nursery area for juvenile fish, crabs, and shrimp 2. Controlling erosion along the coast 3. Filtering and cleaning water as it moves through the estuary 4. Storing and releasing freshwater in response to changing conditions 5. Supporting important commercial and recreational fisheries