The Estuary

The estuarine zone of Sado river represents a real hotspot of biodiversity with a large geographical extension. Its sediment and nutrient transport dynamics through strong tidal currents make possible the emergence of excellent habitats, for both marine species and waterfowl that take refuge there on a large scale:

• The seagrass beds dominate the underwater landscape in several shallow areas of the estuary and play a very important role in the reproduction and development of several marine species, in such a way, that they are considered one of the fundamental bases of the food chain of Sado bottlenose dolphins and other cetaceans that feed in the surrounding marine areas. Furthermore, these plants have the hability to purify the water, making an efficient filtering of carbon and sediments.
• The salt marshes are the hallmark of several flooded areas and they are associated with muddy areas where various species of birds find their food (eg bivalves), shelter and even good conditions to nesting. Furthermore, this zone of flora close to the surface retains the floating garbage (eg plastic) brought by the high tide, allowing these residues to be later collected by humans.

The Sado Estuary Natural Reserve is one of the most important protected areas in our country. Preserving it and contributing to its protection against surrounding threats is a duty for all of us!