About Estuaries - Where Rivers Meet the Sea

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EPA's National Estuary Program is also Working to Protect Estuaries

NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERRS) and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Estuary Programs (NEP) have a unique partnership, they work together to protect estuaries around the country, but take a slightly different approach to achieve their common goal.

Commonalities:

Both the Reserves and NEPs work with local stakeholders to protect these delicate ecosystems.
Both programs provide outreach and education for the general public and conduct research.

Differences:

Reserves are tasked with preserving pristine ecosystems in the different biogeographic regions of the country. These ecosystems are maintained and preserved under the guidance of Reserve staff. All Reserves have educational and research facilities on-site, providing an opportunity for visitors to come to the Reserve and learn about the research and stewardship activities currently underway.
The NEPs are tasked with enhancing the water quality and health of impaired ecosystems or estuaries that may be susceptible to degradation. The NEPs do not all have educational and research facilities on-site. The NEPs work closely with a group of stakeholders to improve the water quality of an estuary and to develop and implement their educational programs and research initiatives.

Learn more...

FAQ about the NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS)
FAQ about EPA's National Estuary Program (NEP)

Last Updated on: 09-21-2008