The Knysna Estuary is the only natural estuarine bay on the subcontinent, with both Durban Bay and Richards Bay having been significantly altered from their natural state. The Knysna Estuary is also the most important of South Africa’s 290 estuaries in terms of conservation importance. With a deep mouth and strong marine and freshwater influences, rich and diverse plant, invertebrate, fish and bird communities now occupy the system. The contents of the various chapters of this book are written by experts in their field, most with a strong knowledge and direct research experience of the Knysna Estuary. The aim throughout is to enable and encourage readers to appreciate life within the estuary, understand its structure and functioning, and empower people to communicate its value and conservation importance from an informed position.