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There are 28 estuaries in the National Estuary Program (NEP).
National Estuary Program Brochure
Florida has four National Estuary Programs, more than any other state in the nation:
- Sarasota Bay Estuary Program
- Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program
- Indian River Lagoon
- Tampa Bay Estuary Program
The National Estuary Program (NEP) was established under the 1987 Clean Water Act Amendments. It is a unique voluntary program that operates through partnerships with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other organizations in the public and private sector. Each NEP operates collaboratively with its major partners and other organizations involved with watershed management.
EPA’s National Estuary Program was established by Congress in 1987 to improve the quality of estuaries of national importance. The Clean Water Act Section 320 directs EPA to develop plans for attaining or maintaining water quality in an estuary. This includes protection of public water supplies; protection of a balanced population of fish, shellfish and wildlife; support of recreational activities in and out of the water; and control of point and non-point sources of pollution. Each program has established a Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan to meet the goals of Section 320.
EPA’s National Estuary Program is proud of its progress and the achievements of individual programs.
The NEPs have succeeded because they focus on the entire watershed, use science to support local decision-making, emphasize collaborative problem-solving, and engage the public. Another key is the ability of local programs to develop long term finance strategies with its major partners and other organizations and groups in the public and private sector.
Local Success Stories
A broad range of issues are being addressed by the National Estuary Programs (NEPs) nationwide. Their success depends on ongoing collaboration with major partners, support from local communities and citizens, and continuous progress in supporting habitat restoration, water quality and research.
Click on the following links to learn more about the SBEP artificial reef program and SBEP efforts to reduce nutrient enrichment.