N.C. Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve

What We Do

The N.C. Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve is a program of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management, a division of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. The N.C. National Estuarine Research Reserve is managed through a federal-state partnership between NOAA and the N.C. Division of Coastal Management. The Reserve is a network of 10 protected sites established for long-term research, education and stewardship. This program protects more than 44,000 acres of estuarine land and water, which provides essential habitat for wildlife; offers educational opportunities for students, teachers and the public, trainings for professionals; and serves as living laboratories for scientists.

Learn more about the Reserve program

Reserve sites

Protecting more than 44,000 acres of estuarine habitat for research, education, and stewardship.
 

Learn more about the 10 Reserve sites