Long Point Wetlands, OntarioAn aquatic ecosystem is a group of interacting organisms dependent on one another and their water environment for nutrients and shelter. Familiar examples are lakes and rivers, but aquatic ecosystems also include areas such as floodplains and wetlands, which are flooded with water for all or only parts of the year. Canada contains an abundance of freshwater ecosystems, including lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, prairie potholes, and wetlands. Even a drop of water is an aquatic ecosystem, since it contains or can support living organisms.

Healthy aquatic ecosystems provide important ecological services.  Wetlands help improve water quality, reduce flood peaks and recharge groundwater aquifers. They also provide cultural, heritage and scientific values, as well as a rich diversity of plant and animal life, and support a variety of human uses, such as fisheries and recreation.

Adapted from Environment Canada's Freshwater Website