Gaining Perspective on Estuaries

January 4, 2024

When I was growing up, I would take family trips to visit the ocean and the Delaware estuary. Estuaries are bastions of biodiversity, acting as nurseries for fish, birds and other wildlife that are protected in the shallows and take advantage of the abundance of nutrients and sheltered breeding grounds. I would go crabbing in those shallows, baiting chicken meat on a fishing line to catch crabs and reel them in. On bike rides with my father, we would search for birds that stopped at the estuary during their migration up and down the coastline. 

These memories inspire me to advocate for estuaries around the country. The Delaware estuary is just one of 28 estuaries the EPA invests in throughout the U.S. through its National Estuary Program (NEP). 

“The National Estuary Program has been a champion of protecting and restoring water quality and ecological integrity within individual study areas for decades. Congress has recognized this with increased annual funding and an influx of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments. Looking ahead, the NEPs will continue to play a vital role in supporting coastal ecosystems and human communities while confronting climate change impacts, like coastal flooding, sea level rise, and extreme weather events.”

Brian Frazer, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds

Restoring estuaries has benefits beyond healthy ecosystems for people and communities, and educating the public about these benefits is a key component of estuary programs. A key component of many of the National Estuary Programs is engaging the surrounding community about the importance of estuaries. For example, the Delaware Inland Bays NEP runs programs at a Discovery Center along the Delaware estuary.

Investing in communities strengthens the connection between people and their neighborhood estuary, making people more likely to care for its protection. For long term conservation success, community support helps apply conservation solutions to local problems. Because of this, community engagement is a key part of the work done by NEPs to protect and restore estuaries.   

The addition of $132 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for NEPs provides more money to invest in communities that live alongside estuaries. At least 40% of the benefits of this funding will flow to disadvantaged communities to improve climate resiliency and adaptability.  

“The Center’s Discovery Bay programs allow people to explore the Preserve and learn alongside their friends and family members. Participants get an opportunity to connect with nature and meet many of the animals that call our estuary home. It’s especially fun to see kids, parents, and grandparents share a memorable experience, like holding a horseshoe crab for the first time.”

Jackie Knoll, the NEP’s manager of environmental education

The National Estuary Program has just released its first annual report summarizing its accomplishments for fiscal year 2022. It highlights each of the estuary programs and celebrates the progress that has been made over the previous year. 

I invite you to reflect on the importance of estuaries in your daily life. If you live near one, consider making a trip out to immerse yourself in these habitats through a hike, swim, or boat ride. Get involved with the estuary programs through an outreach event or volunteer on a restoration project.In August, I made the annual trip back to the coasts of Delaware for a morning of biking and bird watching along the bay, and I already can't wait to go back.  

Will you join me?  

About the Author

Jake Krauss
Jake Krauss
Office of Water

Jake is a conservation biologist and science communicator, conducting research with wildlife across the globe and promoting environmental awareness through digital media. In between his studies he has worked with environmental organizations to publicize their work through film, photography and writing. He received a B.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Rice University and completed his graduate studies through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degree in Tropical Biodiversity & Ecosystems.