Habitat Restoration Science in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System

As living laboratories, National Estuarine Research Reserves are ideal settings to investigate the restoration and protection of estuarine and coastal habitats. The reserve system offers habitat diversity, scientific expertise, monitoring programs and education.

Many reserves are engaged in restoration science and have experience in planning and conducting small to medium-scale restoration projects (.5 to 250 acres). They have explored both engineering and natural approaches to return areas to approximate natural conditions.

National Estuarine Research Reserves are protected areas that represent various biogeographic regions of the country. Most reserves contain a spectrum of habitats ranging from relatively pristine to significantly distributed. Reserves with pristine habitats serve as reference sites for restoration projects in similar physical settings. Less pristine reserve habitats are a result of historical human impacts such as marsh conversion to agricultural lands; coastal hydrology altered by roads, dikes and other human structures; lost native forest and meadows impacted by invasive, non-indigenous species; beaches and dunes used for commercial or recreational purposes; and damage resulting from accidental spills or groundings. These disturbed areas within the reserve system provide a spectrum of opportunities, from scientific investigation to large-scale habitat restoration.

Reserves conduct and consult on individual restoration projects on a case by case basis. As a network, the reserve system is now developing a national approach to the science of habitat restoration.

National Restoration Priorities in the Reserves

Habitat Restoration Priorities for Each Reserve

Distribution of Lost, Disturbed or Damaged Habitat within the National System

Distribution of Lost, Disturbed or Damaged Habitat within Each Reserve

Reserve Education Programs in Restoration