Estuaries and the National Estuary Program

What Are Estuaries?

Estuaries are places where freshwater from rivers mix with saltwater from the sea. Learn more about estuaries.
Why Are Estuaries Important?

Learn about the important resources, benefits and services that estuaries provide.
What You Can Do to Help

Learn how to protect estuaries.
Estuary Information for Teachers and Students

View educational materials.

The NEP is a collaborative, efficient, and adaptable ecosystem-based network of organizations that protects and restores 28 estuaries of national significance.

Learn about the NEP

Explore Local Estuary Programs

Estuaries Mini-Poster

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What Is An Estuary? Now You Know!

Announcement

NEP Coastal Watersheds Grant Program

Interactive Story Map

Learn about the 28 local NEPs, the issues they face, and how partnerships coordinate local actions. | View a text only version

NEPmap

Explore NEP habitat protection and restoration projects, along with other key water quality and land use data.

Estuaries and the National Estuary Program

What Are Estuaries?

Why Are Estuaries Important?

What You Can Do to Help

Estuary Information for Teachers and Students