Region 2 Estuary Programs Environmental Protection Agency - Region 2 Estuary Programs

What is an Estuary?

An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from the land measurably dilutes saltwater from the ocean. This mixture of water types creates a unique environment that is critical for the survival of many species of fish, birds, and other wildlife. They provide safe spawning grounds and nurseries for fish and shellfish, ideal resting and refueling places for migratory birds and habitat for many reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Marshes and other wetlands, which often fringe estuaries, protect marine life and water quality by filtering sediment and pollution from upstream sources. Estuaries also create natural protection for coasts and shorelines from damaging storm waves and floods.

What is the National Estuary Program?

The National Estuary Program (NEP) was established in 1987 by amendments to the Clean Water Act to identify, restore and protect estuaries of significance. There are 28 estuaries in the program nationwide with oversight provided by EPA Headquarters' Office of Water. Unlike traditional regulatory approaches to environmental protection, the NEP targets a broad range of issues and partners with local communities to develop and implement Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans (CCMPs) to protect the resources in the estuary and its watershed. The program focuses not only on improving water quality in the estuary, but also on maintaining the integrity of the system as a whole. This includes its chemical, physical and biological parameters, as well as its economic, recreational, and aesthetic values. A key component of the NEP is the building of partnerships of estuary stakeholders including state and local governments, citizens, industry, academia, environmental groups and commercial interests.

There are six National Estuary Programs in New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico. They are Barnegat Bay Estuary Program, Delaware Estuary Program, Long Island Sound, New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program, Peconic Estuary Program and San Juan Bay Estuary Program. Each one has a unique set of environmental and socioeconomic conditions that require tailor-made management plans and specific actions leading to the protection and restoration of the estuaries' water quality, habitats and natural resources. Click below to go to the individual estuary program's website which provide more detailed information on their respective goals, objectives and restoration plans:

Barnegat Bay Estuary Program
Barnegat Bay and its watershed lie almost entirely within the confines of Ocean County, NJ. Its resident human population of over half a million doubles during the summer beach season. Barnegat Bay hosts the most extensive eelgrass beds along the NJ coastline along with a significant recreational harvest of clams, crabs, and finfish. Bathing beaches in the Bay and oceanfront are an economic engine for NJ tourism as are the rich and varied boating opportunities. Much of the Bay’s watershed lies within the Pinelands National Reserve, an important refuge for many rare and local native species. Together, state, federal, and local partners are working to protect and enhance the natural attractions of this coastal ecosystem while accommodating the significant demands for human living space and enjoyment. www.bbep.org

Delaware Estuary Program

The Delaware Estuary is home to the largest population of spawning horseshoe crabs in the world and host to the second largest concentration of migrating shorebirds in the western hemisphere. Its abundant natural resources have sustained human populations for thousands of years. Today millions of people live within the estuary’s watershed presenting new challenges in sustaining this incredible estuarine resource. www.delawareestuary.org

Long Island Sound Study

The Long Island Sound Study (LISS) is a collaborative effort to restore and protect Long Island Sound, an estuary designated by Congress as an Estuary of National Significance. Established in 1985, LISS is one of the founding estuary partnership programs of EPA's National Estuary Program. Partners include federal, state, interstate, and local government agencies, industries, universities, and community groups. In 1994, LISS developed a CCMP to improve water quality, reduce and restore habitat loss, and address other environmental issues affecting the Sound. Progress is being made with efforts that include reducing nitrogen pollution, an initiative to restore coastal habitats, conducting research and monitoring, and educating and involving the public. www.longislandsoundstudy.net

New York/New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program

The New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program is addressing many environmental issues through a variety of technical, educational and regulatory programs. The Harbor is an urban estuary with a large human population that places many competing demands on the water and surrounding land. Combined Sewer Overflows, historical toxic contamination of sediments, and limited remaining natural habitat are among the main issues in this estuary. www.harborestuary.org

Peconic Estuary Program

In 1992, the Peconic Estuary was designated by the EPA as an "Estuary of National Significance" under the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA). The Peconic Estuary Program, consisting of governmental and non governmental stakeholders, was convened to develop and implement a CCMP. The CCMP was approved by the EPA Administrator in November 2001, with the concurrence of the governor of New York State. The overall focus of the Peconic CCMP is on protection and preservation of water quality, living resources and habitats, along with restoration where degradation has occurred. Priority management topics in the Peconic CCMP include: Brown Tide (a harmful algal bloom); nutrients; habitats and living resources; pathogens; toxics; and critical lands protection. Public education and outreach, financing and post CCMP implementation are management topics also addressed in the CCMP. http://www.epa.gov/region02/water/nep/peconic.htm

San Juan Bay Estuary Program

The San Juan Bay Estuary was accepted into the (National Estuary Program) NEP in October 1992 and a Management Conference was convened in 1994. In October 2000, the Governor of Puerto Rico and the EPA Administrator approved the CCMP for the San Juan Bay Estuary. The CCMP describes 49 action plans which tackle the estuary’s priority problems and describes the management structure that will work on the implementation of the Plan. Priority actions address the cleanup of the Martin Peña Channel, located in the center of the San Juan Bay Estuary. The Martin Peña Channel’s natural and hydrological functions are being severely affected by the overwhelming amount of sewage discharges, solid wastes, debris, sediment, and fill material that are present in its waters. http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/programs/sjb.htm | En Español

Region 2 Estuary Programs Environmental Protection Agency - Region 2 Estuary Programs

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