Wonders of Estuaries
Currituck Sound
Currituck Sound and its Threats
Currituck Sound is located in between the Corolla and Duck beaches within the Outer Banks. The Oregon Inlet, Albermarle Sound, Moyock Creek, and Northwest river flow in and out of the sound, leading to the ocean.
After the construction of Highway 12, the other rivers and waterways, that once flowed through the sound, started to get blocked off. This caused the a difference in the water salinity and quality. As a result, many marshes and submerged grasses have eroded away.
http://pineisland.audubon.org/conserving-currituck-sound-future-generations
Flora and Fauna
The animal life of the Currituck Sound vary between mammals, birds, and fish. Canadian geese, swans, otters, nutrias, white tailed deer, and many more fill the sound. They bring hunters and anglers to their call during season.
The plants of the sound flourish in the maritime forests that litter the land. Devil's walking stick, saw palmetto, sparkle berry, spanish moss, and sweet gum fill the forests with beauty is mystic nature.
Otters
Otters populate the Currituck Sound along with their cousin, the Nutrias.
Canadian Geese
Seasonal Geese that flock every year to the sound.
Spanish Moss
Found in the maritime forests of Currituck Sound.
Importance of Estuaries
Estuaries play a great role in the survival of the coastal lands. They help to control erosion and reduce flooding of the mainland. The sandbars that litter the place buffer against the waves and the sea life root the sea floor to its spot. The swamps and marshes take the first impact from the winds and soak up the excess rain then gradually release it into the surrounding waterways. Estuaries act as a filter for water with either a chemical process or by the animals/plant/bacteria that thrive in the areas. Majority of the fish caught commercially come from estuaries. Also, there are more than 30 types of commercially caught fish thriving in estuaries. Further more, with the beaches lying across the land that teem with tourists, the estuaries give well needed jobs and provide for the economy.