About the Reserve

How the Reserve is Organized

NCNERR is operationally divided into three distinct sectors: education, research, and stewardship. Each sector is devoted to fostering that aspect of the program, under the guidance of the Reserve manager and according to the management plan.

The multi-component design of NCCR/NCNERR requires staff to be located in many different areas. The Reserve manager, research coordinator, education coordinator, education staff, and Coastal Training Program coordinator are centrally located in Beaufort, N.C. near the Rachel Carson site. The stewardship coordinator/southern sites manager, GIS specialist, and research staff are located in Wilmington, N.C. near the Masonboro and Zeke’s Islands components. The northern sites manager is located in Kitty Hawk, N.C. and the Buckridge site manager is located in Columbia, N.C.

The administration of the N.C. Coastal Reserve is achieved through a collaborative process involving NOAA, the N.C. of Environment and Natural Resources/Division of Coastal Management, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, component Local Advisory Committees, the Carolina Estuarine Reserve Foundation, and other partners.

The Reserve’s Management Partners

NOAA, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management

The Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provides national leadership, strategic direction, and guidance to state and territory coastal programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves. The Office further works with state and territory coastal resource managers to develop a scientifically-based, comprehensive national system of marine protected areas (MPA) and supports effective management and sound science to protect, sustain, and restore coral reef ecosystems. These activities are mandated by the Coastal Zone Management Act, the MPA Executive Order, and the Coral Reef Conservation Act. The Office is comprised of five divisions: Coastal Programs, Estuarine Reserves, National Policy and Evaluation, MPA Center, and the Coral Program.
National Estuarine Research Reserve System

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of protected areas established for long-term research, education, and stewardship. This partnership program between NOAA and the coastal states protects more than one million 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.
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources

The state partner of the North Carolina Coastal Reserve is the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)/Division of Coastal Management (DCM).

DENR is the lead stewardship agency for the preservation and protection of North Carolina's outstanding natural resources. The organization, which has offices from the mountains to the coast, administers regulatory programs designed to protect air quality, water quality, and the public's health. DENR also offers technical assistance to businesses, farmers, local governments, and the public and encourages responsible behavior with respect to the environment through education programs provided at DENR facilities and through the state's school system.
North Carolina Division of Coastal Management

DCM works to protect, conserve, and manage North Carolina's coastal resources through an integrated program of planning, permitting, education and research. DCM carries out the state's Coastal Area Management Act, the Dredge and Fill Law, and the federal Coastal Zone Management Act in the 20 coastal counties, using rules and policies of the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission, known as the CRC.
University of North Carolina at Wilmington

The North Carolina Coastal Reserve has enjoyed a longstanding, positive relationship with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) which has provided administrative and staffing support for the Reserve since 1989. This partnership with UNCW also allows for collaboration with faculty from UNCW’s Biology, Marine Biology, and Environmental Studies departments. Faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students conduct research projects on the Reserve’s southern sites and NCCR staff consult with faculty on site management and coastal resource issues.
Carolina Estuarine Reserve Foundation

The Carolina Estuarine Reserve Foundation (CERF) is a non-profit organization that works exclusively to support the preservation, development, and cooperation of the NCCR and NCNERR for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes. CERF is a voice to speak on behalf of the Reserves and works to sustain and increase funding for the Reserve programs.