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Frequently Asked Questions About the NERRS
What is the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS)?
The National Estuarine Research Reserves System is a network of 27 areas representing different biogeographic regions of the United States that are protected for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education and coastal stewardship. Established by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, the reserve system is a partnership program between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the coastal states. NOAA provides funding, national guidance and technical assistance. Each reserve is managed on daily basis by a lead state agency or university, with input from local partners.
What is the NERRS mandate?
The NERRS mandate is to:
- Ensure a stable environment for research through long-term protection of National Estuarine Research Reserve resources;
- Address coastal management issues identified as significant through coordinated estuarine research within the System;
- Enhance public awareness and understanding of estuarine areas and provide suitable opportunities for public education and interpretation;
- Promote Federal, state, public and private use of one or more Reserves within the System when such entities conduct estuarine research; and
- Conduct and coordinate estuarine research within the System, gathering and making available information necessary for improved understanding and management of estuarine areas.
The NERRS educational goal is to:
"Enhance people’s ability and willingness to make informed decisions and take responsible actions that affect coastal communities and ecosystems." (NERRS Strategic Plan (2005-2010))
How is an estuarine reserve site established?
The process for federal designation of a National Estuarine Research Reserve has many steps and involves many individuals and organizations. Reserves are based on partnerships, with NOAA serving as the lead federal partner. Other partners include state agencies, non-profit groups, universities and members of the local community. It takes the support from all partners to designate and operate a reserve.
Each reserve is managed locally, and that is where the designation process begins. The state must take the first step in seeking federal designation as a National Estuarine Research Reserve. NOAA works with the state at each step along the way.
More detailed information on the designation process is available from NOAA and in the reserve regulations.
Who manages NERRS sites?
Reserves are managed through a Federal/State partnership. At the national level, reserves are administered by NOAA's Estuarine Reserves Division (ERD) of the Office of Coastal Resource Management (OCRM). At the state level, reserves are managed by a state agency or state university determined by the Governor. Many reserves have a local management board which may include representatives from local governments and/or not-for-profit organizations. Additionally, many reserves have advisory committees to help direct their management.
Where can I find more information about a specific reserve site?
Access the NERRS map, select a reserve and learn about the specific characteristics of that estuary, when the reserve was designated, its actual location, all the monitoring and rersearch efforts, and all the work involved in protecting and restoring these sites. This link will also provide you access to the actual website of a specific reserve where you will find a lot more details and information about the education, outreach, research and stewardship related activities lead at the reserve.
What is the relationship of the Estuaries.Gov site with the NERRS?
Education is an integral part of NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The website dedicated to the NERRS Education and Outreach mission is Estuaries.Gov. The site is an important part of the NERRS efforts to communicate and advance ocean and estuarine literacy nationwide. It continues to be an interagency website with partners such as NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office and the Environmental Protection Agency's National Estuary Program.
Learn more about the purposes of the Estuaries.gov site under the About section.
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Last Updated on: 06-06-2008
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