Major Threats to Estuaries

Estuaries face numerous threats:

• Pollution: Sewage, chemicals, and runoff from nearby urban/industrial areas harm flora/fauna and make water unsafe.
• Dredging: Sediment removal for shipping or drainage damages habitats.
• Land Reclamation: Converting wetlands to dry land destroys habitats.
• Climate Change: Rising seas threaten coastal habitats; more frequent/severe storms damage estuary structure and life.

Awareness and protection are crucial for these valuable ecosystems.