Kachemak Bay Reserve, Alaska

Overview

The diverse habitats and bathymetry of Kachemak Bay's fjords distinguish this estuary from others in the reserve system.

The Kachemak Bay Research Reserve is the only fjord in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Like other estuarine reserve, this site emphasizes long-term ecological research and education. Kachemak Bay is one of the most productive, diverse and intensively used estuaries in Alaska. Because the region's economy depends upon its fishing, scenery and other natural resources, maintaining the bay's natural qualities has long been a goal of resource management efforts. Recognizing its importance to the lifestyle and economy of the region, local citizens looked at establishing a reserve as a way to increase understanding and to support stewardship of the bay and its resources. Working closely with citizens, agencies and other stakeholders in the bay area, the state developed a plan to guide the research and education programs that will promote well-informed management decisions and foster stewardship of the bay.

Kachemak Bay was federally designated by NOAA as a National Estuarine Research Reserve on February 12, 1999. The research reserve boundary includes areas of land and water that were owned by the public prior to its designation. Designation of the Kachemak Bay Reserve does not change existing ownership, regulations or management authority, nor does it result in any additional regulations. The reserve's research and education programs extend beyond the designated boundaries to include the surrounding watershed for the Bay, as well as other areas that may benefit from reserve programs.