Reserve Management Plan
Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) was designated into the National Estuarine Research Reserve System because of its ecological significance as a major estuarine system in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to its habitat and species diversity associated with the Grand Bay area, it also is part of one of the least developed shoreline areas along the northern Gulf of Mexico.
The mission of the Reserve is to practice and promote informed stewardship of the Grand Bay NERR and Mississippi coastal resources through innovative research, education and training. This mission reflects our vision of valuing and conserving the broader Gulf of Mexico, being part of a regional effort to focus increased attention to the economic and environmental value of “America’s Sea”.
Staff and partners work collaboratively to address focus areas relating to habitat protection, climate change and water quality. To address these focus areas, we develop programs that increase scientific understanding and management of coastal resources, increase appreciation for the significance of coastal resources, and improve science-based decision-making regarding management of coastal resources.
