North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve, National Estuarine Research Reserve on the coast of North Carolina, United States

The North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve is a network of four protected areas along the North Carolina coast that preserves estuaries and the plants and animals that live there. The sites are located near Corolla, Beaufort, and Wilmington and include different habitats such as salt marshes and shallow waters.

The reserve was established in 1985 as part of a national system to protect coastal areas across the United States. It was created to safeguard saltwater zones and their habitats for the future and to support scientific research.

The reserve serves as a working space for scientists and conservationists who monitor coastal ecosystems and protect the health of these saltwater areas. Visitors can join guided tours to learn how communities work to keep these natural spaces alive.

The areas are free to visit, but larger groups or organized events need permission beforehand. It is best to explore the areas on foot or by bicycle to avoid damaging the sensitive habitats.

The reserve provides habitat for roughly nine out of every ten fish species caught in North Carolina's commercial fisheries. At the same time, two different biogeographic regions meet here, creating unusually diverse plant and animal life.