Vision, Mission and Focus

Vision

Healthy coastal watersheds and estuaries support thriving ecosystems and human communities. 

Mission

To practice and promote informed management and appreciation of North Carolina’s coastal and estuarine ecosystems and provide protected sites for research, education, and stewardship.

Goals

• Education and training inspire target audiences to protect coastal and estuarine ecosystems.
• Research and monitoring advance understanding of coastal and estuarine ecosystems and inform coastal management. 
• Stewardship of protected sites contributes to the study and appreciation of coastal and estuarine ecosystems. 
• The Reserve is recognized as a leader in coastal and estuarine ecosystem research, training, education and stewardship through effective administration and communication strategies.