MISSION-ARANSAS NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE, TEXAS

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) is a network of coastal sites that operate as a partnership between the federal government and coastal states. The goal of this non-regulatory program is to perform long-term research in relatively natural settings. The program is administered through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (MANERR) is the 27th research reserve, and only one in the Western Gulf of Mexico Biogeographic Region.  The MANERR is located 30 miles northeast of Corpus Christi, Texas in the Aransas Bay complex.  The University of Texas Marine Science Institute is the lead State Agency for the Reserve in Texas.

The MANERR was designated on May 3, 2006 and a designation ceremony was held May 6, 2006.  Photos of the ceremony are available and an article in NOAA Magazine.

The MANERR will implement research, education, stewardship, and coastal training programs.

Programs:

• Research and Monitoring
• Education and Outreach
• Stewardship
• Coastal Training Program

Announcements:

• Graduate Research Fellowship applications are due November 1, 2008
• Mapping Habitats by Land, Sea and Air
• Photos and Graphics needed
• New Instrument Monitors Texas Bays
  For Dangerous Algae Blooms
• Archived announcements

Other Links:

• Reserve Advisory Board
• Hyperspectral Imaging project
• Ecosystem Based Management Tools project
• One-page description of the MANERR 
• Answers to frequently asked questions 
• Pre-designation documents
• Staff Contacts
• Map and directions to the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas 
• Link to Texas Coastal Management Program 
• Staff Intranet
• Contact MANERR (361-749-6771)