Canon Envirothon 2011 Salt and Fresh Water Estuaries Learning Objectives
1. Describe and classify different estuaries and explain the difference between a fresh and a salt estuary.
2. Compare and contrast the different fresh water and salt estuarine habitats.
3. Describe the unique features and signs of a healthy salt marsh and estuary.
4. Familiarize yourself with the historical and cultural importance of estuaries in eastern Canada.
5. Compare and contrast reasons why salt and fresh water estuaries are important economically, ecologically and socially.
6. Examine the anthropogenic and environmental impacts upon estuaries and the methods being used to mitigate these impacts.
7. Discuss the merits of returning some or all of the marsh to its original state versus maintaining the dykes and water controls that were installed to permit agriculture.
8. Identify and describe various fresh water and salt estuarine flowering plants, seaweeds and animals.
9. Explain how plants and animals have adapted to the physical and chemical features of a salt estuary.
10. Familiarize yourself with the provincial, federal and territorial laws and regulations for the protection of marine areas in Canada.
11. Describe the effects inland activities have on estuaries. Explain how the activities in the estuary may possibly affect the inland waters?