The National Estuarine Research Reserve System is a network of protected areas established for long-term research, education and stewardship. This partnership program between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the coastal states protects more than 1.3 million acres of estuarine land and water. This report analyzed socioeconomic, demographic, and infrastructure data to quantify the social sensitivity of reserves and all U.S. coastal communities to climate change at both reserve and coastal county levels. Climate sensitivity, in the context of this report, is defined as whether and how a reserve or group of reserves will be affected by a change in climate conditions, measured over the particular environmental or social geography. Figures and tables. This is a print on demand report.

Features the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, a protected areas network of federal, state, and local partnerships. The system is part of the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Discusses the research, monitoring, and education in the National Estuarine Research Reserves. Posts contact information for the headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, via mailing address and telephone and fax numbers.