National Estuarine Research Reserve System

The National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR)System protects and studies estuarine areas through a network of 25 reserves. It helps to fulfill the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's stewardship mission to sustain healthy coasts by improving the nation's understanding and stewardship of estuaries. Established by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, the reserve system is a network of 25 protected areas that represent different biogeographic regions of the United States.

The Gulf of Mexico hosts five NERR sites located in Texas, Mississippi, Florida and Alabama. They are the Reserves of Apalachicola Bay, Rookery Bay, Weeks Bay, Grand Bay and the newest addition, Mission-Aransas Bay.

Each reserve is a "living laboratory" in which scientists conduct research and educators communicate research results. Reserve staff members work with local communities and regional groups to address natural resource management issues, such as nonpoint source pollution, habitat restoration and invasive species. Through integrated research and education, the reserves help communities develop strategies to deal successfully with these coastal resource issues.