The Long Island Sound provides countless recreational opportunities, serves as a critical habitat for fish and other marine wildlife, and improves the quality of life in Connecticut. Designated in 2022, the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 30 Research Reserves in the country that are focused on research, education, and stewardship of estuarine ecosystems. With more than 50,000 acres of marsh, upland, and open water in Long Island Sound, Fishers Island Sound, and the lower Connecticut and Thames Rivers, the Reserve provides essential habitat for wildlife, offers educational opportunities for students, teachers and the public, and serves as a living laboratory for scientists. Our vision is to have a resilient, healthy Long Island Sound estuary and watershed where human and natural communities thrive.

CT Reserve Boundary and Sites