Kayaking in the estuary

On our last day of our Marine Biology study abroad, we kayaked

into Morua Estuary to learn more about how these soft bottom habitats are home to the young of many fish and invertebrate species like blue crabs (earning estuaries the nickname of "nurseries") as well as a resting and nesting place to many migratory birds like terns, egrets and oyster-catchers (black and white birds seen in picture). Estuaries are shallow bays where freshwater from the land, empties into protected bays of the ocean, creating water that has a mixture of saltiness or salinity. Oysters are raised here in Morua estuary and then sold in local fish markets. This CEDO (saaaydoe) ecotour was guided by Paloma and it was a great learning activity to end our marine biology study abroad.