Advice on the use of models to support estuarine outcomes

Abstract

As the interface between the land and sea, estuaries are uniquely distinctive and dynamic environments. They are highly productive and provide numerous ecosystem services (e.g., improving water quality, supporting fisheries, protecting our coastline). The diversity of habitats contained within estuaries (e.g., crab burrows, seagrass meadows, worm mats, shellfish beds) support a wide array of species that are critical for ecosystem functioning and integrity. Unfortunately, the Our Marine Environment 2019 report clearly identified continued national degradation of the marine environment, particularly for estuaries. Subsequent reports in 2022 and 2025 have not indicated any reversal of these trends.