Crance, J.H.2010-02-152010-02-151971http://hdl.handle.net/1969.3/1973314 p.An estuary is part of the coastal area known as a bay, tideflat, bayou, lagoon or marshland. The biological characteristics are summarized with the importance to certain species of fishes, marine animals, waterfowl, plants, and other creatures during their life cycle. An expanding human population and technology has flocked to coasts to harvest food and find new uses of estuarine zones. Many of the uses have degraded the environment by using them as convenient and economical sites to dispose of sewage and wastes. The conflict of this area is highlighted with a need for state and federal agencies to assist in planning for the future needs of the estuarine zones.estuariesbaysbrackishwater environmenttidal flatslagoonslife cyclewaste disposalwetlandsaquatic birdsmarine organismsBook