How are wetlands and estuaries different?

A wetland is any area that is an aquatic ecosystem that is shallow enough to support emergent vegetation. This excludes lakes but includes the margin around lakes. The area may be permanently flooded or not but, again, is shallow. read more

Wetlands & Estuaries. Where freshwater streams meet saltwater they form estuaries—one of the most fertile habitats on earth. These rich habitats provide spawning grounds for crabs and numerous fish species, and are a vital stopping point for migratory ducks and shorebirds as they fly thousands of miles up and down the Pacific Flyway. read more

Estuaries and wetlands encompass soft-sediment habitats, including tidal mudflats, eelgrass beds and areas of open water. The Marine Life Protection Act defines the shoreward boundary of these ecosystems as the extent of tidal reach and salt-water-associated vegetation. read more