Thank you to everyone who made National Estuaries Week such a success! In almost 40 events around the country, more than 3,200 people joined us to #WadeIn to the estuaries we love. 

Your enthusiasm was reflected in the House and Senate, which both passed resolutions recognizing National Estuaries Week. Kudos to the NERRA board members who encouraged their members of Congress to support the resolution! And a big thank you to our estuary champions, Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (RI) and Bill Cassidy (LA)—who led this effort in the Senate—and the bipartisan Congressional Estuary Caucus Chairs Bill Posey (FL), Suzanne Bonamici (OR), Rick Larson (WA), and Brian Mast (FL), who anchored the resolution in the House. We also thank all members who signed the resolution, including these 27 Senators.

Earlier this month, staff from the Estuary Caucus and House Sea Grant Fellows joined NERRA, the Association for National Estuary Programs, and Restore America’s Estuaries on the Anacostia River in Maryland to visit a restoration project and see firsthand how communities benefit when federal funding (e.g., BIL/IRA) combines with on-the-ground stewardship expertise, partnerships, and programs. Other Reserves showcased local BIL projects for their delegations, including New Hampshire’s Great Bay, which also welcomed NOAA Rick Administrator Spinrad.

The end of the federal fiscal year is approaching quickly (September 30th), and all eyes are on Congress to see if they will pass a continuing resolution to extend the current budget. This would allow more time for members to complete their work on FY 2024 appropriations, which of course, includes the budget for the NERRS. Stay tuned.