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  1. Home
  2. National Estuary Program (NEP)
  3. Learn about the National Estuary Program

Exploring Estuaries

An illustrated frog

Estuaries are places where freshwater rivers and streams flow into the ocean, mixing with the seawater. A wide variety of birds, fish, and other wildlife make estuaries their home. People also live, fish, swim, and enjoy nature in estuaries and the lands surrounding them.

Use this Web site to explore these unique environments, including some of the plants and animals that live there. Through a variety of games and activities, you'll learn how you can help protect these natural treasures. You'll also learn how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working to restore and protect estuaries through the National Estuary Program.

  • What Challenges Do Our Estuaries Face?
  • Glossary
  • How does the National Estuary Program Help?
  • About this Site

National Estuary Program (NEP)

  • National Estuary Program (NEP) Home
    • Basic Information about Estuaries
  • Funding Resources
  • Learn about the National Estuary Program
    • Overview of the NEP
    • National NEP Results
    • Exploring Estuaries
    • NEP Library
      • National Estuary Program Reports
  • Local Estuary Programs
    • Individual Estuary Program Websites
    • Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans
    • NEPs on Social Media
    • State of the Bay Reports
    • NEP Videos, Virtual Tours and Photo Gallery
  • NEP Success Stories
    • Fact Sheets
    • Habitat Plans
    • How NEPs Address Environmental Issues
      • Aquatic Nuisance Species
      • Climate Change
      • Declines in Fish and Wildlife Populations
      • Habitat Loss and Degradation
      • Nutrient Loads
      • Pathogens
      • Stormwater
      • Toxics
    • Progress Evaluation
    • Successful Watershed Management: NEP Lessons Learned
    • Sustainable Financing Examples
      • Casco Bay Estuary Partnership
      • Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program
      • Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
      • Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program
      • Narragansett Bay Estuary Program
      • Peconic Estuary Partnership
      • Tampa Bay Estuary Program
Contact Us about National Estuary Program
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on April 15, 2025
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