In the estuary where land meets sea,
An ecosystem thrives and sings with glee.
It's a place of wonder, a world of its own,
With creatures both big and small, all well-known.

Tiny alevin, newly hatched and small,
Begin their journey in this world of all.
They nibble on plankton, a tasty treat,
And grow big and strong, it's quite a feat.

As they mature, they become smolt,
And venture out into the ocean's tumult.
They return to the estuary, to spawn and lay,
Their eggs among the rocks in the bay.

The food chain here is interconnected,
Each creature relying on the other, well protected.
From the smallest fry to the biggest fish,
All must eat and be eaten, such is the wish.

The brackish water is home to many,
A place of refuge for some, a spawning ground for plenty.
The nutrients that fertilize the sea,
Create a world of life and energy.

So if you're ever near an estuary,
Take a moment to pause and be merry.
For in this world so wondrous and wild,
You'll find a true treasure, nature's own child.

Reflections

1. What is an estuary and where can you find one?
2. What is the food chain and how does it work in the estuary?
3. Why is it important for creatures in the estuary to rely on each other?
4. What is the life cycle of a fish in the estuary and how does it contribute to the ecosystem?
5. What are some of the creatures that can be found in the estuary and how do they adapt to their environment?