Aquatic Ecosystems

what are estuaries? (give an example in Alabama)

where rivers meet the sea (mobile bay estuary)

why are estuaries important for our economy?

transportation, food and international commerce

what are examples of human recreation in an estuary?

they produce food the US eats

what is biodiversity like in estuaries

there are fish, birds, etc

how do salt marshes affect our economy

they make up 70% of commercial fish

what are some recreational activities found in Salt Marshes

fishing, canoeing, hunting, and field trips

what is salt marsh

an area of coastal grassland flooded by seawater

what are some other importance of salt marshes

they produce basic food energy

what is a wetland

an area of land saturated with water

what are some examples of wetlands

bayous, swales, balheads, bags

how are wetlands important to the environment

protect water quality, control flooding, home to animals

how are wetlands used by humans

for fishing

describe the economic importance of beaches to Alabama

they are home to birds, grasses, crabs, clams, fish, and tiny vertebrates

describe 5 ways beaches are important parts of the environment

sediment storage, wave dissipation, nutrient recycling, groundwater discharge and nesting sights

identify reasons why most large cities are located on river systems

for ease of transporting goods

which major cities in Alabama are located on a river system

birmingham, tuscaloosa, montgomery, mobile

what are some recreational activities that you can enjoy on the river

hunting, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking

alabama is home to the highest number of what two species

mollusks and fish

what are three activities that a family could take part in while visiting a lake or reservoir

camping watersports, fishing

name at least three species of wildlife that inhabit the gulf of mexico

clams, oysters, starfish, shrimp and corals

list several jobs related to the fishing industry in Alabama that you could apply for

joining the artificial reef program and cost guard

identify the ecological functions of the coral reef

they protect coastlines from waves

what is a tidal pool

rock pools on the seashore

why does the marine life (starfish, mussels and clams) in a tidal pool have to be slinity, oxygen and temperature tolerant

because of waves, strong current and sun exposure

what is an inlet

small arms of the sea, lake or river

how is the mobile river basin threatened

mismanagement of water resources

why is mobile river basin known as alabamas amazon

because of its biodiversity

how do you think this poor management affects mobile bay

by taking out too much water

list 5 ways you can help your local aquatic ecosystem

recycle, dont waste water, dont pollute, use reef safe sunscreen, and help animals in need