National Estuarine Research Reserve System

States may seek federal approval and designation of certain areas as NERRS sites if the areas qualify as biogeographic and typological representations of estuarine ecosystems and are suitable for long-term research and conservation. In order for the Secretary of Commerce to designate a NERRS site, the following criteria must be met: (1) the Governor of the coastal state in which the area is located must nominate the area for designation (2) the Secretary of Commerce must find that (A) the area is a representative estuarine ecosystem that is suitable for long-term research and contributes to the biogeographical and typological balance of the System; (B) the law of the coastal state provides long-term protection for reserve resources to ensure a stable environment for research; (C) designation of the area as a reserve will serve to enhance public awareness and understanding of estuarine areas, and provide suitable opportunities for public education and interpretation; and (D) the coastal state in which the area is located has complied with the requirements of any regulations issued by the Secretary to implement this section.

Once an area is designated as a NERRS site, federal financial assistance is available for acquisition of property and management, research, and education related to the NERRS (Source: Year of the Ocean Discussion Papers 1998; NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management).