North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve
Quick Facts
North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve
North Carolina
(910) 962-2470
Map DirectionsThings To Do
Overview
North Carolina's estuarine system is the third largest in the country, encompassing more the two million acres. This system is of prime economic importance to the coastal area; 90 percent of the commercial seafood species caught in the state spend at least part of their lives in an estuary. The North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve was established to preserve these fragile natural areas and the variety of life they support. This program protects more than 41,000 acres of estuarine land and water, which provides essential habitat for wildlife; offers educational opportunities for students, teachers and the public; and serves as living laboratories for scientists. The state is representative of two major biogeographic regions located north (Virginian) and south (Carolinian) of Cape Hatteras. The four components of the North Carolina Reserve represent both of these regions. Currituck Banks is in the Virginian, while Rachel Carson, Masonboro Island and Zeke's Island are Carolinian. The reserve protects 10,000 acres of barrier islands, inlets and estuaries.
Park Partners
Directions
Driving
The reserve is comprised of four sites located near Corolla (Currituck Banks), Beaufort (Rachel Carson) and Wilmington (Masonboro Island and Zeke's Island) in North Carolina.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(910) 962-2470Links
Official URL
http://www.nerrs.noaa.gov/Reserve.aspx?ResID=NOC- Login or register to post comments
- Email this page