The National Estuarine Research Reserve
System (NERRS) was established by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. It currently
consists of 26 protected estuaries that represent different biogeographic regions
within the United States.
NERRS helps to further NOAA's mission to sustain healthy coasts by improving
the nation's understanding and stewardship of estuaries.
The
NERRS estuaries are "living laboratories" in which scientists can conduct research,
and educators can communicate research results.
NCCOS' research focuses on determining the health status of the reserves,
modeling the structure and function of estuarine ecosystem components, and identifying
the effects of management actions on estuarine habitats.
CCEHBR, in partnership with
NERRS and other NCCOS Centers, has focused much of its research thus far
on southeastern estuarine reserves in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Examples of recent products are Sanger et al. (2008) and Cooksey et al. (2008). You may also read more
about
CCEHBR's research in
NERRS as part of its Regional Ecological Assessments.
Visit the
National Estuarine Research Reserve System web site for more information.