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National Estuaries Week

National Estuaries Week

In partnership with our friends at the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association (NERRA) and the Association of National Estuary Programs (ANEP), we invite you to join us for National Estuaries Week from September 16-23, 2023.

The goal of National Estuaries Week is to show members of Congress, federal agencies, and state and local governments the importance of America’s estuaries by showcasing the value they provide to your community. There are a few ways you can get involved – host a clean up, restoration project, or other event at your local estuary. (Be sure to register the event here.) Second, share your support for National Estuaries Week on social media using the hashtag #EstuariesWeek and #WadeIn while also tagging your members of Congress.

2023 National Estuaries Week Events

Add your event to the map and spread the word to members of your community. Ideas for events include:

  • Trash cleanup
  • Paddling/hiking tour
  • Film screening
  • Tree/grass planting
  • BioBlitz
  • Speakers and seminars
Add Your Estuaries Week Event

Join an Estuaries Week event near you!

National Estuaries Week Photo Contest 2023

In celebration of National Estuaries Week, NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management is hosting a photo contest. Send your best photos from the National Estuarine Research Reserves that display the beauty of the reserves, critters that live there, and the people who work and play there. We want to see them all!

Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges and will be featured in our social media campaign during National Estuaries Week. Submit your photos under the following categories:

  • Learn
  • Play
  • Vistas
  • Smiles
  • Work

To Enter: Submit your images (minimum of 1200 pixels wide, no more than 10 photos) to us at OCM.NERRS.PhotoContest@noaa.gov. All images MUST include the following information:  photographer’s name, Copyright License to NOAA document and Likeness and Profile Release documents, both signed by the photographer; short description of when and where the photo was taken; and which category your photo is representing.

Deadline: Photos must be submitted by Tuesday, August 31, 2023 to be eligible for the contest.

For additional contest rules, click here. 

About National Estuaries Week

National Estuaries Day began in 1988 to promote the importance of estuaries and the need to protect them. In partnership with the National Estuaries Program, National Estuarine Research Reserve Association, Restore America’s Estuaries, and many other organizations, we have extended the festivities to a whole week. National Estuaries Week is an annual celebration and campaign to increase public awareness of estuaries and to encourage people to become involved in the protection of these important natural resources.