Celebrating National Estuaries Week, September 21 – 28
From September 21 – 28, our nation recognizes National Estuaries Week as a time to celebrate and advocate for the protection of these invaluable ecosystems.
By Daniel Hayden, President & CEO Restore America’s Estuaries
Why are estuaries important?
The planet is warming and we continue to experience the impacts at an increasing rate. According to NOAA, in 2024 we experienced 20 climate disasters with losses exceeding $1 billion. The annual average from 1980 – 2023 was 8.5. As this record-breaking hurricane season continues it is more important than ever to consider how we can integrate natural climate solutions—such as estuaries, bays, and coastal areas—into our long-term strategies.
Estuaries, where water meets the sea and Great Lakes, provide a two-pronged solution for managing a warming climate. They sequester atmospheric carbon, known as “blue carbon,” while simultaneously reducing storm damage for the 40% of the United States population who reside in coastal communities.
As more Americans move to coastal counties, there is an increasing need for flood protection and climate resilience. One of the most significant benefits of healthy estuaries is their ability to act as natural buffers against storms and flooding. Mangroves, marshes, and seagrasses absorb wave energy and reduce the impact of storm surges, protecting coastal communities from severe weather events. In fact, research by The Nature Conservancy shows that healthy wetlands reduce the property impact of storms by up to 16%. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of storms, investing in estuary restoration is a proactive measure to enhance our resilience.
The ecological importance of estuaries cannot be overstated. According to NOAA Fisheries, estuaries provide habitat for more than 75 percent of the U.S. commercial fish catch, and an even greater percentage of the recreational fish catch. These habitats are essential for the life cycles of numerous species, including commercially and culturally important species like salmon and oysters. By investing in estuary restoration, we ensure the sustainability of these species, which are vital for both ecological balance, the fishing industry and our cultural heritage.
Moreover, estuaries offer recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and birdwatching, which improve our mental and physical well-being. These activities foster a connection to nature and our communities that improves our happiness and quality of life. If you have not tried a social media detox by hiking by river or kayaking or a time of quiet to listen to birds as the sun sets, I highly recommend this natural stress reliever.
Investing in Our Future
Federal lawmakers have demonstrated a strong commitment to the protection and preservation of estuaries by officially designating September 21-28 as National Estuaries Week through resolutions passed in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate resolution, led by Senators Cassidy and Whitehouse, garnered support from 29 bipartisan Senators. In the House, the resolution was championed by the co-chairs of the Congressional Estuaries Caucus—Representatives Bonamici, Larsen, Mast, and Posey—alongside 17 bipartisan Representatives, recognizing the vital importance of our bays, coasts, sounds, and estuaries.
But the support doesn’t end there. Federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act have allocated billions of dollars for coastal restoration projects, leading to once-in-a-generation growth in the number of restoration projects funded. These funds are being used to restore wetlands, improve waste management systems, and rebuild oyster reefs, all of which are crucial for water filtration and habitat health. These cost-effective investments should not just continue but be expanded. These funds are not just improving our waters and coastlines, they are an investment for tomorrow. Research from the National Institute for Building Sciences shows that every $1 spent on mitigation saves $6 on future disaster losses. As storms continue to strengthen and punish our coastal communities, we can’t afford not to prepare for our future.
National Estuaries Week
The good news is that progress is being made by communities who are answering the call and stepping up to protect their estuary! Restore America’s Estuaries put out the call for organizations to share their unique projects, programs, and events taking place in cities across the country during National Estuary Week. We want to thank the 42 who answered with a wide variety of submissions including:
- Kachemak Bay NERR 25th Anniversary in Homer, Alaska
- Grand Bayou Community Oyster Reef Build in Port Sulphur, Louisiana
- Clean up on the Rachel Carson Reserve in Morehead City, North Carolina
…and many more!
To celebrate National Estuaries Week and thank our Congressional champions, Restore America’s Estuaries hosted our NEW Kickoff Reception, welcoming staff from House and Senate offices, federal agencies, and our fellow estuary partners! RAE was especially pleased to welcome Janet Coit, NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries who shared how crucial it was that we all do our part in continuing to fight for the preservation and protection of our estuaries.
As this National Estuaries Week draws to a close, we want to leave you with the importance of estuaries and the investments being made to restore them. Together, we can inspire greater public support and ensure that these natural treasures continue to provide essential services for generations to come. Investing in estuaries is not just an environmental imperative; it is a commitment to a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous future for all.