Estuaries Ecosystem

PAPER Arranged in partial fulfillment Basic Ecology that guided by Prof. Dr. Hj. Mimien Henie Irawati, M.S. and Dr. Fatchur Rohman, M.Si.

Arranged by: 09th Group Class A - Offering A 1. Lailatul Qodriah 2. Devi Nur Octaviandari (100341400698) (100341400704)

The Learning University

UNIVERSITY OF MALANG FACULTY OF MATHEMATICS AND NATURAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY January 2012

PREFACE

Gratitude Praise presence writer prayed Allah SWT, because of the blessing of his paper, entitled Estuaries Ecosystem this in turn can be resolved. The paper is organized to fulfill the task of Histology course that guided by Prof. Dr. Hj. Mimien Henie Irawati, M.S. and Dr. Fatchur Rohman, M.Si. Furthermore, we say great thank to: 1. Prof. Dr. Hj. Mimien Henie Irawati, M.S. and Dr. Fatchur Rohman, M.Si. guided course as lecturers and assistant lecturers are always accompanied and guided us in preparing this paper. 2. Students Biology offering A years of 2010. 3. All those who have helped in the process of preparing this paper. A part from all the shortcomings of writing this paper, both in composition and writing the wrong, the author pleaded for forgiveness and hope that the writing of this paper is useful especially for writers and the readers. We as authors are aware that the writing of this paper is still far from perfection, and therefore, we always expect criticism and constructive suggestions from you for improvements in the preparation of the next paper. Finally, may Allah Swt. always gives His guidance to anyone who loves science and education. Amin Ya Robbal Alamin. Malang, January 2012

The writers

CONTENTS

Cover .................................................................................................................. i Preface ................................................................................................................ ii A. Background ................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Problems ........................................................................................... 1 B. The Definition and Classification of Estuaries Ecosystem ...................... C. The Physical Characteristic of Estuaries Ecosystem ............................... D. The Biological Features of Estuaries Ecosystem ...................................... E. The Important of Estuaries Ecosystem .................................................... References

ESTUARIES ECOSYSTEM
A. BACKGROUND Estuaries are unique transition ecosystemscomplex, dynamic, productive, and in many ways different from either the adjacent ocean or the river upstream. Estuaries provide many goods and services to humans and other organisms. Examples include fish and shellfish production, water purification, shoreline stabilization, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. With a twice-daily ebb and flood of the tide, salt water and fresh water mixing, and rapid fluctuations in temperature and salinity, estuaries can be difficult places to live. But the plants and animals that thrive there have developed remarkable adaptations to these difficult conditionsadaptations for feeding, reproducing, rearing their young, avoiding predators, and regulating their bodies temperature and salt concentration. Estuarine ecosystems and their inhabitants thus are by nature resilient. At the same time, however, past changes and present threats make them highly vulnerable. Human history and economic development are intimately linked to estuaries. Estuaries provide abundant, easy-to-access fish and shellfish. We build cities on their shores and ports in their sheltered harbors. We come to the sea to breathe the salt air and be renewed. Some of the ways we use estuaries change these ecosystems, often significantly. We selectively harvest plants and animals. We consciously or inadvertently introduce nonnative organisms, including pest species. We dredge navigation channels, build jetties, fill tidelands, dike salt marshes, dump wastes, and more. Although some of these uses have economic and other benefits, they often adversely affect the natural goods and services that estuaries provide to society. So, here we will study more deeply about the estuaries ecosystem including what is the estuary, kind of estuaries ecosystem, physic characteristics of it, and biota

or organisms which live in. And hopefully, we can maintain the estuaries ecosystem that are not just exploit them.

1. Objectives a. To know the definition and classification of estuary ecosystem b. To know the physical characteristics of estuary ecosystem c. To know biological feature in estuary ecosystem d. To know the important of estuary ecosystem

B. THE

DEFINITION

AND

CLASSIFICATION

OF

ESTUARIES

ECOSYSTEM Estuaries are semi-enclosed bodies of water where fresh water from rivers or streams mingles with the salt water of the ocean. Estuaries trap nutrients and sediment that is carried from the land by rivers and from the ocean by tides. Estuaries are characterized by a constant mixing of these nutrients with the rise and fall of the tide. These conditions create an enormous amount of plant and animal life. Estuaries are therefore one of the most productive types of ecosystems on earth. Estuaries can be found in flat river deltas or steep-sided coastal fiords. They may have different components, such as tidal mud flats, lagoons, salt marshes and sand dunes. Although estuaries make up only 3% of the coastline in BC, they are used by approximately 80% of all wildlife species on the coast. Estuaries are also popular places for people, and unfortunately many of them have been lost to urban and agricultural development.

C. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ESTUARIES ECOSYSTEM 1. Currents In the estuary, river and tidal currents play very important roles in mixing the lower and upper layers of water. This estuarine circulation, as we will see later, is a crucial factor determining the high productivity of estuaries. When sea-water enters an estuary in the northern hemisphere, it flows clockwise to the 'right,' and freshwater flowing down-river moves also clockwise, thus flowing to the other side. Due to this coriolis force, one side in the estuary is often saltier than the other side. 2. Ice Some of our more northern estuaries have ice cover for up to four months of the year. Ice cover helps provide a constant temperature in the mud, which is beneficial for many marine organisms. Once the ice melts, there is a very sudden increase in freshwater content, contributing to the variability in salinity. 3. Salt Salinity constantly changes in estuaries. When freshwater mixes with saltwater it is called brackish water. The water of estuaries and salt marshes can be brackish. 4. Salinity Salinity is an important feature of estuaries. Estuary water is a mixture of freshwater and saltwater in proportions that vary according to the location in the estuary. An out-going tide can reduce salinity slightly. The degree of salinity can also be influenced by factors such as the level and intensity of the tides, the melting of snow in the spring, heavy precipitation, and dry periods during the summer season. The salinity can be weak upstream in the estuary, about 0.5 ppt, and very high downstream, up to 30 ppt. In the sea, the average salinity is 35 ppt. The zone where freshwater changes to saltwater is called a pycnodine.

The freshwater from rivers is lighter than saltwater, so it has a tendency to stay on top of the saltwater. If the estuary is deep enough, the saltwater from the sea will travel up the estuary by passing under the freshwater while the freshwater going down the river will stay above the saltwater layer and enter the sea. This is called a salt-wedge estuary. This kind of estuary tends to form in situations with low turbulences; therefore, little mixing occurs. It often happens in certain places that there is virtually no salt content at the water's surface, but the salinity is very high at the bottom. If the estuary is shallow or where water turbulence is great, the salt and freshwater will mix and the salinity change is gradual. 5. Sediment An estuary is constantly changing and tends to accumulate sediments. Sediments come from rivers, streams and brackish marshes located inland, and salt marshes and sand dunes located near the mouth of the estuary. Sediments can be composed of animal and plant matter, as well as inorganic material, such as mud or sand. 6. Temperature Temperature is one of the main elements influencing reproduction of invertebrates and fish. Since estuaries are shallow and semi-enclosed, temperatures can be slightly higher than in open areas, providing the levels required for some species to lay their eggs. Cold temperatures can negatively affect fish in their planktonic stages, slowing down the hatching and growth of the young. 7. Tides With the rise and fall of tides, nutrients are brought into the estuary. The movement of tides also causes turbulence, resulting in an upwelling of water, which brings nutrients from the bottom of the estuary to the surface. The further up the estuary you go, the more delayed the tide becomes. Since estuaries are usually funnel-shaped, incoming tides at the mouth tend to increase in amplitude as the channel narrows. The frictional contact from the

shore and bottom act against the tide and tend to lower the height of the tide. With these counteracting forces, it can be difficult to predict whether the tidal range will be smaller or greater at the head of the estuary. The rise and fall of tides can be felt far up-river, especially in bigger estuaries.

D. THE BIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF ESTUARIES ECOSYSTEM In the summer there is an abundance of biological activity in the estuary. The tides, currents, and wind bring nutrients to the water's surface (upwelling). Plentiful nutrients combined with warm shallow waters set the stage for a profusion of activities. Some invertebrate animals, birds, and fish are able to take advantage of these factors. Estuaries and other coastal ecosystems tend to be in areas of high productivity and therefore have high-quality habitats for many species of wildlife (Anonym, 2009). Plankton Phytoplankton are minute plants such as dinoflagellates. Phytoplankton, along with bacteria and fungi, are the basis of life in the estuary and are carried by the currents. In order to survive, they must remain in a place where the salinity fits their needs. They use the sun and the nutrients from rivers and salt marshes to feed themselves. Zooplankton are the tiny animal part of plankton. In estuaries, zooplankton benefit from an abundant food supply: phytoplankton, microscopic algae, bacteria, and detritus coming from dead plants and animals. Plants Plants modify coastal ecosystems by trapping sediments, slowing down currents, producing food, and giving shelter to organisms. Eelgrass is a major source of food for a whole community of animals and plants. Small fish such as the Mummichog, Sticklebacks, and the fry of the Striped Bass and Gaspereau shelter and feed in Eelgrass beds. This plant helps to stabilize the bottom with its roots, allowing organisms such as Crabs and Lobsters to move around on it.

Accumulations of dead Eelgrass are often found along beaches, enriching other ecosystems. Molluscs Molluscs are plentiful in estuaries. Some hide in the sediment while others live on sediments or plants. Molluscs can be carnivores or can feed by filtering water. Some graze on microscopic algae that live on the estuary bottom and on the vegetation. Others feed on detritus from dead animals and plants. Molluscs are an important source of food for other animals that live or stay in the estuary such as the Winter Flounder, Mud Crab, Ducks (such as Scaup), and Raccoon. Crustaceans Lobster, Crabs, Sand Shrimp, and Amphipods (a type of small shrimp) are found in estuaries. They can serve as food for birds, fish, and mammals. Crab and lobster Crabs and lobsters feed on molluscs and other living or dead organisms. They use their claws to break shells. Lobsters can eat mussels, crabs, oysters, sea stars, and worms. Crabs eat mussels. When mussels are cultivated using 'collectors' they are the size of a grain of pepper when first installed. Crabs are often found on these collectors. Worms Worms are prey for a great variety of animals, such as crustaceans, fish, and birds. Some are carnivores, others eat seaweed or detritus (non-living materials). Some worms, like the clam worm, move freely through the mud, while others build permanent tubes through which they filter particles from the water. Fish Fish use the estuary for spawning, the development of fry (very small fish), and as nursery areas for juveniles. Many species have migratory patterns that take advantage of the plankton. Food, as well as shelter, is abundant in an estuary. The estuary is a transition zone for marine species travelling from the sea to rivers, and for freshwater species travelling from rivers to the ocean. Birds

Birds are very mobile and their rhythm is associated with that of the tides, their food, and the movement of the water. Some birds, such as the Canada Goose, feed in the intertidal zone at low tide. Some, such as the Black Duck, feed in shallow waters. Cormorants, mergansers, and scaups feed in deeper water by diving from the surface. Terns, Osprey, and Kingfishers dive from above the surface.

E. THE IMPORTANT OF ESTUARY ECOSYSTEM Estuaries provide many ecosystem services. These are functions performed by natural systems that are necessary for human welfare. In the past, these functions were often overlooked and estuaries were considered useful only after they were reclaimed for human use. The following are some examples of how we benefit from estuaries (Schuchardt, 2009). Erosion control and storm surge protection: Vegetation in estuaries helps to anchor sediment and soil along river banks and shorelines. This prevents stream flows, rainwater and waves from scouring away the land. Estuaries also build up deposits of mud, silt and sand. This natural barrier helps to dissipate the energy of large waves that can otherwise inflict serious damage on human life and property (Schuchardt, 2009).

Water Quality Estuaries function as natural water purification systems. Vegetation and fine sediments in estuaries filter water as it flows from the land to the ocean. Bacteria living in the sediments of estuaries can also help to break down certain pollutants.

Atmospheric Gas Regulation Estuaries tend to be carbon sinks, since carbon dioxide is absorbed in the photosynthesis carried out by the prolific plant growth. Carbon dioxide is released when wood or fossil fuel is burned, or when estuaries are filled in. It is one of the greenhouse gases that are thought to be at least partly responsible for climate change.

Nutrient Cycling Estuaries help to regulate concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous in the marine environment. These nutrients are needed for plant growth but in excess can cause harmful algae blooms and rob the water of oxygen. Habitat for Plants, Shorebirds & Other Animals As described above, many species of animals spend all or a portion of their lives in estuaries. Some of these species, such as Pacific Salmon, have direct commercial value. Others are important as part of the overall function of many ecosystems. Estuaries contribute greatly to the biodiversity of the marine environment.

Education, Recreation & Tourism Opportunities Estuaries are peaceful, beautiful landscapes. Artists, canoeists, bird/wildlife watchers, hunters, fishers, photographers, scientists, children and teachers are all attracted to estuaries. The special qualities of estuaries make them ideal study and teaching environments. Estuaries are not only one of the most biologically productive types of ecosystems, they are also one of the most valuable. It is difficult to attach monetary worth to these ecosystem services, especially since most are needed for life on earth and are not replaceable with human-made systems, at any cost. Nevertheless, some people believe that estimating the value of ecosystems, even imperfectly, will help people to make better land use decisions. Thus in a 1997 study, a conservative estimate of the value of ecosystem services performed by estuaries was US$22,832 per hectare per year (Anonym, 2009).

REFERENCE Schuchard. Bastian, Scholle Jorg. 2009. Wadden Sea Ecosystem.

Netherland:Simon Associates, Inc. Publishers.

Odum, E.P., 1989. Ecology and Our Endangered Life-Support Systems. USA: Sinauer Associates, Inc. Publishers.

PERNYATAAN : 1. Estuaria dapat dianggap sebagai zona transisi atau ekotone. Estuaria merupakan daerah campuran antara air laut dan air tawar. Biasanya, berupa teluk atau muara sungai. Jadi, salinitas air pada estuaria inipun tidak asin dan tidak tawar. 2. Komunitas estuaria terdiri dari campuran antara jenis- jenis endemik dan jenis- jenis yang datang dari laut ataupun dari air tawar. Banyak sekali jenis- jenis komersial seperti tiram dan kepiting yang hidup di daerah estuaria. Selain itu, ikan salmon dan belut juga sering bergantung pada estuaria. Karena estuaria bisa dijadikan sebagai tenpat tinggal selama jangka waktu tertentu saat mereka melakukan migrasi dari air asin ke air tawar. 3. Perairan estuaria merupakan salah satu alasan ekonomi utama untuk melestarikan habitat ini. Karena perairan ini merupakan merupakan tempat yang sangat produktif salah satunya bagi beberapa jenis udang yang masuk ke perairan ini pada masa mudanya (juvenile stage) dan tempat bertemunya biota air laut dan air tawar yang memiliki nilai komersial. 4. Estuaria merupakan suatu perangkap nutrien yang sebagian bersifat fisik dan sebagian lagi bersifat biologi. Pada daerah estuaria ini terjadi terjadi pembentukan satuan- satuan organik dan detritus serta perolehan kembali nutrien dari endapan dalam oleh aktivitas mikroba, akar tumbuhan dan hewan penggali yang menciptakan suatu sistem penyuburan sendiri 5. Estuaria digunakan sebagai tempat asuhan dalam daur kehidupan beberapa jenis udang. Udang dewasa bertelur di lepas pantai dan pada tahap larva muda, udang bergerak ke arah pantai masuk ke dalam estuaria setengah tertutup. Pada daerah estuaria inilah larva udang dan udang remaja menemukan makanan dan perlindungan di dalam teluk-teluk dangkal sehingga mereka dapat

berkembang dengan cepat. Selanjutnya udang yang telah menjadi dewasa bergerak kembali ke selat- selat dan lautan terdekat untuk di panen. 6. Estuaria memiliki keanekaragaman jenis produsen yang terprogram berfotosintesis sepanjang tahun. Estuaria sering sekali memiliki tiga jenis produsen yang menguasai dunia, yaitu makrofit (alga, rumput laut dan rumput di paya- paya), mikrofit bentik dan fitoplankton yang dapat berfotosintesis dan memberikan makanan pada organisme lain yang hidup di daerah estuaria sehingga dapat menunjang kehidupan organisme- organisme yang hidup di perairan ini. 7. Perairan estuaria merupakan suatu ekosistem yang dengan permukaan air berfluktuasi yang bersubsidi. Gerakan pasang surut air pada perairan estuaria dapat membuang limbah dan membawa makanan serta nutrien, sehingga organisme yang hidup di dalamnya dapat mempertahankan eksistensi sesilnya yang tidak memerlukan banyak pengeluaran energi metabolisme untuk mengeluarkan kotoran badan dan mengumpulkan makanan. 8. Dilihat dari sudut pandang manusia, estuari merupakan suatu lingkungan yang multi guna. Karena perairan estuaria secara umum dimanfaatkan manusia untuk tempat pemukiman, tempat penangkapan dan budidaya sumberdaya ikan, jalur transportasi, pelabuhan dan kawasan industri. 9. Organisme yang dapat hidup dan membentuk koloni di eustaria harus memiliki kemampuan beradaptasi secara khusus agar bisa bertahan hidup. Kemampuan adaptasi dapat berupa adaptasi morfologis, fisiologis maupun tingkah laku. Contoh adaptasi fisiologis organisme estuaria yaitu memiliki kemampuan osmoregulasi yang baik seperti pada hewan jenis Mollusca. 10. Ekotone adalah peralihan antara dua atau lebih komunitas yang berbeda. Daerah ini adalah daerah pertemuan yang dapat berbentuk bentangan luas tetapi masih lebih sempit/kecil jumlah populasinya dari komunitas sekitamya. Komunitas ekotone biasanya banyak mengandung organisme dari masing-

masing komunitas yang saling tumpang tindih, dan sebagai tambahan, ataupun sebagai organisme yang khas tidak terdapat pada masing-masing komunitas pendampingnya. Seringkali terdapat kecenderungan jumlah jenis dan kepadatan organisme di wilayah ekotone lebih besar daripada komunitas sekitarnya Kecenderungan ini akhirnya akan meningkatkan keanekaragaman dan kepadatan wilayah ekotone dibanding komunitas pendampingnya. keadaan ini dikenal sebagai pengaruh tepi. 11. Estuaria jenis fyord adalah pantai yang dalam, berbentuk U melesak ke bawah karena pengaruh glacial dan biasanya dengan bentuk yang dangkal pada mulutnya yang terbentuk oleh timbunan glacial. Pantai ini biasanya lebih dangkal namun dalam karena pengaruh dari glacial tersebut. 12. Glasial adalah daerah es Glacial itu sendiri merupakan dari bekas dari zaman es yang mungkin masih terdapat pada bagian yang ada dalam bumi kita. 13. Estuaria hypersaline adalah aliran masuk air tawar kecil Pada aliran ini membedakan pasang surut rendah yang mengalami penguapan yang sangat tinggi dan salinitasnya dapat melebihi air laut 14. Goba-goba adalah nama sebutan untuk lahan bercocok tanam Rumput Laut di laut. Goba-goba ini merupakan suatu lahan yang memungkinkan dimanfaatkan para warga dalam menghasilkan rumput laut yang nantinya akan dijual dipasaran 15. Rawa bakau merupakan sekumpulan pohon bakau yang ada di suatu pantai Rawa bakau ini dimanfaatkan masyarakat untuk menahan agrasi yang terjadi pada pantai. Selain itu rawa ini juga dapat dimanfaatkan oleh para warga untuk memperoleh kepiting 16. Dinoflagelata komunitas plankton yang terbiasa dengan intensitas cahaya. Dinoflagelata ini tergolong sebagai komunitas makhluk hidup yang ada pada daerah yang memiliki intensitas cahaya yang terang dan nutrient organic.