coastal lagoon

A lagoon is a body of relatively shallow, quiet water located in a coastal environment. It has access to the sea but is separated from the open ocean by a barrier, which can be a sandbar, a barrier island, or a coral reef.1

There are two main types of lagoons:
* Barrier island lagoons: These are elongated or irregular stretches of water found between coastal barrier islands and the shoreline. They are characterized by calm waters and fine sedimentation.1
* Coral lagoons: These are circular or irregular bodies of water surrounded by coral reefs, such as atolls. They are found in tropical seas and are crucial for island communities, often serving as harbors.1

Lagoons support productive ecosystems with unique flora and fauna due to their sheltered waters.1