Search for Louisiana National Estuarine Research Reserve (LaNERR)

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For the most current information on the Louisiana National Estuarine Research Reserve, please visit the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority project website at
https://coastal.la.gov/our-work/key-initiatives/atchafalaya-national-estuarine-research-reserve/.

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The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of 29 coastal sites designated to protect and study estuarine systems. Established through the Coastal Zone Management Act, the reserves represent a partnership program between NOAA and the coastal states. NOAA provides funding and national guidance, and each site is managed on a daily basis by a lead state agency or university with input from local partners.

For decades now, the concept of siting a NERR here has been a point of discussion here in Louisiana. The first step was taken with a letter from the Governor’s office to NOAA on July 23, 2019. Correspondence from Governor John Bel Edwards’ office to the NERR program proceeded and advanced the initiative.

The search for a National Estuarine Research Reserve in Louisiana wants to involve you!

The LaNERR Site Development Committee will be hosting a series of Town Hall Meetings to provide information on three alternative sites that have been proposed: Atchafalaya Basin, Barataria Basin, and Pontchartrain Basin. Visit the Town Hall Meetings page for more information.

LaNERR Status Update

Louisiana NERR, or LaNERR, is currently in the Site Development phase in the process of selecting a site to nominate to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Visit LaNERR: Program Updates & Info for more details.