Estuaries for Everyone

Estuaries are invaluable resources for coastal dwellers, whether of fin, fur, or feather. For people, these ecosystems offer protection, recreation, and a wealth of learning opportunities. On this site, educators and estuary enthusiasts will find a variety of resources, including specially developed activities, animations, videos, teacher training workshops, real-time data, and opportunities to volunteer at a local reserve. This information will help educators share the wonders of estuaries with students and others.

What Are Estuaries?

An estuary is a partially enclosed body of water (such as a bay, lagoon, sound, or slough) where two bodies of water, usually saltwater and freshwater, meet and mix. Freshwater estuaries occur where freshwater from a river or stream mixes with water from a lake that is chemically distinct. Scientists classify these environments using two characteristics: geology and water circulation.

Estuaries are often called the nurseries of the sea because so many marine animals depend on them as a food source or spend some part of their lives there. Many plants and animals, including many species of concern, are especially adapted to live in these unique environments. Estuaries are also a major stopover point for migratory animals, and coastal communities rely on estuaries for tourism, shipping and transportation, and fishing.

Each estuary displays unique beauty. One estuary may be enclosed by marshes and barrier islands, while others have a coastline or reef border. Examples include Chesapeake Bay, San Francisco Bay, Boston Harbor, Tampa Bay, and Puget Sound.

Map showing marker for each National Estuarine Research Reserve site

Our Reserves

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of 30 coastal sites designated to protect and study estuarine systems. Established through the Coastal Zone Management Act, the reserves represent a partnership program between NOAA and the coastal states. Each reserve is a living outdoor classroom that advances estuary and data literacy and provides meaningful, hands-on educational experiences for adults, children, and teachers.

The opportunities are as varied as the locations and include topics such as climate change and building backyard habitats. Educational experiences provide an exciting entryway for people to become actively involved in coastal conservation.

Learn About Reserves Near You

News and Announcements

Transferring Knowledge to Expand American Eel Monitoring Article Thumbnail Image

Transferring Knowledge to Expand American Eel Monitoring

American eels help scientists understand habitat losses or gains, shifts in the food web, and other ecosystem changes, and each year more than 800

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Animation Demonstrates the Role Estuaries Play in Water Filtration Article Thumbnail Image

Animation Demonstrates the Role Estuaries Play in Water Filtration

One key component of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System is estuary education, which helps educate students and teachers on the valuable...

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Getting Students Involved in Climate Action at Great Bay Reserve Article Thumbnail Image

Getting Students Involved in Climate Action at Great Bay Reserve

Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in New Hampshire hosted Phillips Exeter Academy students as part of its Climate Action Day activities...

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Creating a More Accessible Environment at Old Woman Creek Reserve Article Thumbnail Image

Creating a More Accessible Environment at Old Woman Creek Reserve

Old Woman Creek Reserve in Ohio has joined forces with the Erie County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ECBDD) to provide activities at the reserve...

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Teachers on the Estuary: Wade In! Article Thumbnail Image

Teachers on the Estuary: Wade In!

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System’s Teachers on the Estuary workshops are in full swing this year, bringing teachers into their estuaries...

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