Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERR-MD) was established in 1985 with Monie Bay, a large wetland near Deal Island on the lower Eastern Shore, being the sole component. In 1990 Otter Point Creek and Jug Bay were added to the reserve. Together, these three reserve components reflect the diversity of estuarine systems found within the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay providing essential habitat for commercially as well as recreationally important fish and crabs, filtering mud from the Bay's murky waters, and protecting the shoreline from flooding. CBNERR-MD promotes educational opportunities and scientific study of these estuarine systems so that we can better manage and successfully restore these important habitats, as well as enjoy a healthy and productive Bay.

The goals of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Maryland are to:

• Strengthen the protection and management of the Reserve Components to advance Bay conservation, research and education.
   

• Increase the use of science and Reserve sites to address management issues.
   

• Enhance peoples’ ability and willingness to make informed decisions and take responsible actions that preserves Maryland’s coastal communities and ecosystems.

…Improving Coastal Resource Management in the Chesapeake Bay through Conservation, Restoration, Research, and Education…

View the Hot-Off-The-Press
CBNERR-MD Site Profile

CBNERR Final Management Plan (July 2008)