Conduct Research on Coastal Ecosystems:
Supporting Science and Education at GTM Research Reserve
GTM Research Reserve
Estuaries provide important benefits—ecosystem services—that impact our day-to-day lives. In addition to their natural beauty, they support clean water, abundant wildlife, and recreation. They also protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure from the impacts of flooding and climate change. Estuary regions are home to roughly 40% of the U.S. population, including eight of the ten largest U.S. cities. Economic output in these areas account for 47% of the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product), including tourism, shipping, commercial fishing, and development.
The GTM Research Reserve is connected to a system of 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR), so their research, education, and stewardship is locally relevant and has a national impact. The 75,761-acre boundary of conservation lands and waters runs from Ponte Vedra to Palm Coast and is home to some of the best fishing, boating and beaches in Northeast Florida.
The continuity of information and data provided by the GTM Research Reserve ensures the decisions made about our community are based in science and fact. Additionally, their research initiatives and education programs are crafted around the regional needs of our citizens, stakeholders, and state & county governments.
The Friends of GTM is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting the GTM Research Reserve’s mission through resources, advocacy, and community engagement.
What is a NERR?
What is a NERR?
Reserves are protected for long-term research, monitoring, education and coastal stewardship. The NERR System, created by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, currently protects over one million acres of estuarine lands and waters. The NERR System is a partnership program between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the coastal states.
NOAA provides funding, national guidance, and technical assistance for reserve operations and system-wide programs, facilities construction and land acquisition, graduate fellowships, and collaborative science projects. GTM’s state partner, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, manages the reserve daily, in collaboration with local and regional partners. NOAA also leads projects that integrate data or support decision-making at the national level.
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Animals Save Country
What We’ve Achieved
Tidal wetlands in the GTM estuary are shifting from salt marshes to mangroves due to fewer hard freezes. This will impact food webs and increase carbon storage. Research is helping protect what our community values in these habitats.
The GTM estuary has a high abundance of oysters, which filter 60% of its water every two weeks, improving water quality. With growing populations, we’ll keep monitoring oyster health and water quality to ensure these benefits continue.
Disturbances like a prescribed fire maintains coastal strand vegetation, critical for resilience and species like gopher tortoises and painted buntings. Land managers rely on GTM’s research for conservation.
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday — Saturday | Closed on Sunday, Monday, and state holidays
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E-Newsletter, the Estuary Examiner
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E-Newsletter, the Estuary Examiner
Explore, Learn, Protect.
Subscribe Today!
Sign up to receive the GTM's quarterly
E-Newsletter, the Estuary Examiner
Help Us Make a Difference
Donate Today!
Contribute funds to research, programs, and stewardship at the Friends of the GTM Research Reserve.
Adopt-a-Nest
Help fund ongoing research to protect the marine turtle population, and support the volunteer Sea Turtle Patrol at GTM.
Become a Friend
We love the GTM Research Reserve. If you love it, too, we invite you to become a Friend of the GTM Research Reserve today!