stuaries are arms of the sea extending inland into river mouths, bays, lagoons, and marshes, where salt water mixes with fresh water. This description is physically correct, but does not illustrate the life that estuaries support.

As nature's life support systems, estuaries are among the most dynamic places on Earth. In fact, the word's Latin origin -estuare- means to "surge, boil, or be in commotion."

To visualize the vitality of an estuarine system, tour the Coastal Bend's backdrop of 12 counties, its 12,500 square miles of land and water, and 75 miles of Texas coastline. Be awed by biological diversity, be amazed by human benefits, be inspired to preserve a relatively young geographic treasure dating back to the melting of the most recent continental glaciers.

Within the Coastal Bend, there are three estuaries composed of 25 bays and lakes, all with connections to the sea. This group of estuaries is one of just 28 designated an "Estuary of National Significance" under a program established by the United States Congress. The Corpus Christi Bay National Estuary Program (CCBNEP) was established in 1992 to assist the Coastal Bend in developing a comprehensive plan to manage bay resources. The CCBNEP is jointly funded by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

What will the plan do?

Protect and revitalize. Maintain estuarine health while supporting human endeavors - both economic and recreational. This is the mission of the more than 300 Coastal Bend residents who voluntarily serve the CCBNEP. Businesses, industries, individuals, and organizations throughout the Coastal Bend work together within the study area to investigate and learn about the area. The CCBNEP uses scientific methods to gather and assess information and focuses on input from local citizenry to set priorities and goals. Local participants represent more than 70 user groups dedicated to the conservation and management of their own unique marine resources.

Why are these estuaries of great importance?

The Coastal Bend estuaries provide spawning grounds and nurseries for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Lush estuarine vegetation reinforces the shoreline from erosion due to storm surges and floods, while marshes and wetlands filter sediments and pollutants, protecting water quality.

Coastal communities rely on the natural beauty and bounty of estuaries. Nearly 31 percent of America's Gross Domestic Product comes from coastal areas. The Corpus Christi Bay is an economic, recreational and aesthetic boon for Coastal Bend residents and visitors. Sport and commercial fishing, shipping, industry, sailing, birdwatching, tourism; an extensive list of uses, add up to an invaluable resource.

Naturally, coasts attract crowds. Almost half the U.S. population is concentrated along its shorelines where the growth rate is three times faster than the rest of the country. More than 550,000 people live within the Coastal Bend, but by 2050 the population is expected to nearly double.

A steady stream of people means more houses, roads, businesses, and industries. To a delicately balanced estuarine ecosystem, it means the possibility of more stress, pollution, soil erosion, and loss of natural habitat for fish and wildlife.