Why are estuaries, such as the Pamlico Estuary, so important?

An estuary can be described as an area of brackish water where different rivers or streams meet the open sea. Hence, an estuary forms a transition zone between an river environment and a marine environment.

Estuaries hold a lot of importance and are referred to as the nurseries of the sea. The estuary are home to many unique kinds of organisms. Certain kinds of fishes and shellfishes which humans consume cone from this area of the sea. There are high levels of nutrients moving in the estuary zone of the sea. Due to its shallow water, Pamlico estuary provides opportunities for fishing, crabbing and water - sports activities.