The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the state of Connecticut have created a new national estuarine research reserve in Long Island Sound.
Research reserves "are designated to protect a section of an estuary and provide a living laboratory to explore and understand important areas where rivers meet the sea, thus promoting understanding and informed management of coastal habitats," the agency said in a news release.
The new reserve, called the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve, will have 52,160 acres in the southeastern part of Connecticut. It's the first one in Connecticut and the 30th nationally.
“NOAA is doing all we can to advance the President’s conservation goals to help address nature loss, mitigate climate change and create equitable access to the outdoors,” NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad said in the release. “Protecting special places along our coast and making them accessible for future generations benefits our planet, our people and our economy, and helps build a climate-ready nation.”
Inside reserves, scientists work with communities to reduce pollution, restore wildlife habitat and eliminate invasive species, NOAA said.
“The designation of the nation’s 30th National Estuarine Research Reserve in Connecticut represents a win for science-based decision-making and helping to enhance environmental education at all levels for the people of Connecticut,” Conn. Gov. Ned Lamont said in the release. “We’re excited that some of the amazing natural resources of Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River, and some of our state parks and natural area preserves will be utilized as a living laboratory that can help advance national efforts in addressing issues such as climate change and environmental stewardship, now and in the future."
