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.
Our 2013-2018 GNDNERR Management Plan outlines our course of action for the next five years.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Introduction
- National Estuarine Research Reserve System
- National Estuarine Research Reserve System Strategic Goals 2011-2016
- Biogeographic Regions
- Reserve Designation and Operation
- National Estuarine Research Reserve System Administrative Framework
II. Introduction to Grand Bay
- Site Description
- Habitats
- Climate and Weather
- Tropical Weather
- Physiography
- Geology
- Hydrology/Oceanography
- Water Quality
III. Vision, Mission, Focus, Goals and Objectives
- Areas of Focus and Priorities
- Vision and Mission
- Goals and Objectives
IV. Administration and Operations Plan
- Administration Goals and Objectives
- Reserve Staff
- Future Staffing Needs
- Volunteers
- Advisory Groups
- Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve – Management Plan
V. Facilities and Equipment Plan
- Facilities and Equipment Goals and Objectives
- Grand Bay Coastal Resources Center
- Green Building Design
- Projected Facility and Construction Needs
- Vehicles and Vessels
- Facilities and Equipment Goals and Objectives
VI. Stewardship Plan
- Stewardship at Grand Bay NERR
- Stewardship Goals and Objectives
VII. Acquisition Plan & Reserve Boundaries
- 2012 Reserve Boundaries
- Core and Buffer Areas
- Acquisition Plan at Grand Bay
- Acquisition and Boundaries Goals and Objectives
VIII. Resource Protection Plan
- Existing Resource Protection at Grand Bay
- Resource Protection Goals and Objectives
IX. Public Use/Access Plan
- Public Use/Access at Grand Bay
- Public Use/Access Goals and Objectives
X. Research and Monitoring Plan
- Reserve System Research Funding Priorities
- Reserve System Research Goals
- System-Wide Monitoring Programs
- Research and Monitoring Plan at the Grand Bay NERR
- Implementation of SWMP at Grand Bay NERR
- Biological Monitoring
- Sentinel Sites and Climate Change
- Research Monitoring Goals and Objectives
XI. Education Plan
- Reserve System Education Goals
- Reserve System Education Objectives
- Education and Outreach at Grand Bay NERR
- Education and Outreach Goals and Objectives
- Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve – Management Plan
XII. Coastal Training Plan
- National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program
- Reserve System Coastal Training Goals
- Reserve System Coastal Training Program Objectives
- Coastal Training Program at Grand Bay
- Coastal Training Program Goals and Objectives
XIII. References
