Reserves

If you live in the coastal United States, there’s a good chance you live near an estuary, though you may not know it! Estuaries often go by more familiar names like Chesapeake Bay, Puget Sound, or South Slough.

Places where rivers meet the sea or a Great Lake, estuaries brim with life—more life per square inch than the richest Midwest farmland. This natural abundance has drawn people to live, work, and build communities near estuaries for generations.

Healthy estuaries support clean water, healthy fisheries, and strong outdoor traditions. These vibrant ecosystems are also economic engines—serving as key hubs for fishing, boating, tourism, and shipping. They support thousands of jobs and generate billions of dollars annually through seafood, recreation, and maritime industries. Many of the nation’s busiest ports are located in estuaries, moving goods, fueling commerce, and contributing to both local and national prosperity.

Beyond their economic contributions, estuary habitats like wetlands play a crucial role in protecting infrastructure and property. These natural areas help manage stormwater, reduce erosion, and absorb high tides—helping to shield roads, homes, and businesses from damage. In many cases, they perform functions that would otherwise be met by costly construction and ongoing maintenance.

As coastal areas continue to grow, so does the need to protect the natural systems that support them. Through science and data, education and training, community support and extensive partnerships, Reserves are working to keep estuaries healthy and thriving so future generations can continue to benefit from all they provide.