North Carolina Reserve

The North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve protects more than 10,000 acres of coastal land and is an oasis to many diverse species of fish and birds, including osprey, black skimmers, summer flounder, spotted sea trout, red drum, and least tern. The Reserve’s four sites also support research, education, and stewardship to protect estuarine ecosystems, improve water quality, and make both the ecosystems and communities along North Carolina’s coastlines more resilient to coastal hazards.