Welcome!

San Francisco Bay once supported 190,000 acres of highly productive tidal marsh nearly 90% of which has been destroyed or altered. In the past these wetlands provided essential habitat for commercially important fish and crabs, filtered mud from the Bay's murky waters, and protected the shoreline from flooding. Two of the most pristine wetlands left in the estuary are protected as part of the San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (San Francisco Bay NERR). San Francisco Bay NERR promotes scientific research of these remaining wetlands so that we can better manage and successfully restore these important habitats, and so that you can enjoy a healthier Bay.

The San Francisco Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve:

• Guides and coordinates research within the reserve sites
• Conducts long-term monitoring of water quality, weather, and biological systems
• Fosters stewardship activities to protect and enhance the reserve sites
• Offers education programs for science teachers and the public
• Provides training for coastal decision makers

San Francisco Bay NERR is a partnership among NOAA, San Francisco State University, California State Parks, Solano Land Trust and the Bay Conservation and Development Commission.

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of 27 reserves established for long-term research, education and stewardship of the nation's estuaries. This partnership program between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the coastal states protects more than one million acres of estuarine land and water; provides essential habitat for wildlife; offers educational opportunities for students, teachers and the public; and serves as a living laboratory for scientists.