RESEARCH

COMMITTED TO LEARNING EXPERIENCES

COMMITTED TO LEARNING EXPERIENCES

The Research Department monitors water, weather, and wildlife to detect short-term events and long-term change. Like watchdogs for wildlife and wild places, researchers can detect differences before they become problems for the environment, community, or local businesses.

Scientists also conduct research projects, develop maps for scientific, management, and educational projects, and encourage graduate students and visiting scientists to take advantage of the 110,000 acres of protected water and land to increase understanding of our unique habitat and natural resource management.

GIS MAPPING

GIS MAPPING

Reserve staff use GIS (Geographic Information System) technology to map the locations of natural resources, plan for public access (camp sites, trails, protected areas), and educate the community about coastal processes and change events.

MONITORING

MONITORING

Reserve staff monitor water, weather and wildlife in effort to inform management decisions by reserve managers and partners. Like watchdogs for wildlife and wild places, researchers can detect differences before they become problems for the environment, community, or local businesses.

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH

Rookery Bay Estuarine Research Reserve is a platform for visiting scientists and student training to have the opportunity to study our unique ecosystem. Within our research department, we have grant proposal development, technical assistance, as well as collaborative engagement.

VISITING SCIENTISTS

VISITING SCIENTISTS

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve serves as an outdoor classroom and laboratory for students and scientists from around the world. The Visiting Scientist program encourages graduate students and other researchers to conduct their studies in the reserve.

Drone Image of Rookery Bay Research Reserve | National Estuarine Research Reserve

Make a Difference

The Research Department oversees monitoring programs and collaborates with scientists globally on projects impacting our local environment.  Collectively, these efforts serve as the backbone for science-to-management decisions impacting our coast today and 50 years into the future.

Become a Friend of Rookery Bay

When you choose to support Rookery Bay, know that you are contributing to the preservation of this unique ecosystem.