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Balancing the health and dynamics of intermittently closed estuaries is a critical part of our role in supporting beach and estuary management.

Estuaries are important biologically diverse ecosystems that have significant ecological, social, cultural and economic value.

The health of our estuaries is threatened by coastal development, declining water quality and loss of habitat for native species.

The dominant plant groups in our estuaries are seagrass, mangroves, saltmarsh, macroalgae and microalgae.

Huge numbers of birds live in our estuaries and use them to provide habitat, food and a place to rest.

Estuaries play a major role in the lifecycle of many freshwater and marine fish species.

A diverse range of ecologically and commercially valuable invertebrates live in our estuaries.

Sea turtles, frogs and other aquatic animals live in our estuaries and use them for food, rest and shelter.

We classify estuaries into different groups or types. This informs how an estuary functions and which management practice is best suited to that type.

Our scientists collaborate with many partners on projects that help us better understand and manage our estuaries.