National Estuarine Research Reserves

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of estuaries — places where freshwater from the land mixes with saltwater from the sea — established across the nation for long-term research, education, and coastal stewardship. The reserves are a partnership between NOAA and the coastal states and territories. NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management is responsible for administering the reserve system. Each reserve is managed on a day-to-day basis by a lead state agency or university, with input from local partners. The mission of the reserves is to practice and promote coastal and estuarine stewardship through innovative research and education, using a system of protected areas.

Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve

What is an Estuary?

OCEAN FACT/VIDEO

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Florida

Find a Reserve Near You

kids running at North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve

Learn About Estuaries

EDUCATION

Science to Management

Reserve staff work with local communities and regional groups to address natural resource management issues, such as stormwater runoff and habitat restoration. Through integrated research and training, the reserves help communities develop strategies to deal successfully with these coastal resource issues.

System Wide Monitoring Program

In an effort to understand and track long-term changes in estuaries and coastal areas, the estuarine reserves established the System Wide Monitoring program (SWMP) in 1995. SWMP collects a variety of data, including water quality, weather conditions, and habitat changes.

environmental learning center at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Education

Estuarine reserves serve as "living classrooms" for educators, students, and the public. The reserves take a local approach in advancing estuary literacy and generating meaningful experiences for all kinds of people interested in learning about, protecting, and restoring estuaries.

paddling in the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve

Stewardship

Reserves protect and conserve 1.3 million acres of coastal and estuarine habitat, while also facilitating improved stewardship of coastal habitats outside of the reserve boundaries. Volunteers have been instrumental to the stewardship efforts of estuarine reserves.