Modeling current and future freshwater inflow needs of a subtropical estuary to manage and maintain forested wetland ecological conditions

Freshwater bodies and estuaries worldwide are undergoing drastic change due to alteration of freshwater flow that impacts their ecology. Freshwater input serves many essential ecological functions, including the regulation of salinity and delivery of nutrients and sediments from the watershed. Without an adequate supply of fresh water, certain estuaries, wetlands, and swamps will be unable to provide key ecosystem services that support coastal communities, such as fisheries, flood protection, and recreation. In coastal communities around the world, demands on freshwater supply are increasing and future uncertainties threaten coastal communities . The determination of the freshwater inflow needs and the use of estuarine indicators is necessary to maintain the provision of these ecosystem services.