Summary
We need your help - please share with Congress the value that KBNERR brings to the communities of Kachemak Bay, the state of Alaska and the nation.
Photo: Research Reserve staff beach seine to improve understanding of nearshore fish populations.
Proposed Federal Administration funding cuts for 2027 will eliminate KBNERR’s base funding from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which supports Research Reserve staff, students, and facilities. This would eliminate our ability to provide education and outreach to the region, as well as most of our monitoring and research.
Fortunately, when this happened last year, Congress restored the funding, thanks to the thousands of voices who spoke up on behalf of Reserves. We need to hear those voices again, and we’re counting on you to help us reach them. Sign onto the National Estuarine Research Reserve Association (NERRA) support letter here and visit NERRA’s Get Involved page.
For 27 years the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve has supported community monitoring for invasive species and harmful algal blooms; maintained weather and water quality monitoring; supported research on headwater salmon streams, watershed ecology, nearshore and marine ecology, and oceanography; offered hands-on, place-based education for K-12 students, supported teacher trainings, undergraduate and graduate student internships; and supported decision-makers with trainings & technical assistance in accessing local science and data to address coastal management issues (e.g., drinking water source protection; stormwater management; salmon headwater stream habitat).
Please share with Congress, State Legislators and local leaders the value that KBNERR brings to the communities of Kachemak Bay, the state of Alaska and the nation.
Please write to Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan, and Rep. Begich to:
1) Share why you value KBNERR
2) Request they provide full funding for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System in fiscal year 2027
This small amount of NOAA’s budget is an excellent deal for the Federal Government, the State of Alaska, and local citizens. KBNERR has 27 years of practice making every dollar count, and leveraging partnerships and collaboration across the region.
Photos: Generations of data for generations of coastal livelihoods – Reserve partnerships and programs leverage every dollar to ensure Alaska’s coastal ecosystems remain healthy and productive.