Kachemak Bay Research Reserve Management plan

Kachemak BayResearch ReserveNational Estuarine Research Reserve System

2012 – 2016 KBRR Management Plan

Draft Overview


KBNERR Unifying vision:


KBNERR Unifying vision:• We are committed to providing leadership and building partnerships to

conduct and promote excellence in regional research, education and training.



conduct and promote excellence in regional research, education and training.• We are committed to gaining an understanding and appreciation of how high

latitude coastal ecosystems function, leading to responsible actions and sustainable use of Alaskan coastal resources.





• We believe that the Kachemak Bay estuary and adjacent waters provide an

outstanding living laboratory in which to conduct high latitude coastal research, education and training.







• We are committed to working as an integrated team to achieve a common vision of excellence in coastal science.







• We are committed to working as an integrated team to achieve a common vision of excellence in coastal science.

• We are committed to translating and communicating the results of our science,

and that of others, to promote informed coastal decision-making.


Programmatic Focus:

• Climate Change• Harvested Species


The overarching goal of the KBNERR Research program is to provide information to coastal

decision-makers and local communities on the physical science, health, and productivity of the

Kachemak Bay estuarine ecosystem and surrounding waters.


Our ecosystem is undergoing fairly rapid change, which drives various research questions:

• A changing climate will bring altered fresh water flows into Kachemak Bay which influences circulation patterns, larval distribution and primary productivity




• Need for a predictive tool for loss of fresh water into the future




• Need for a predictive tool for loss of fresh water into the future

• Monitoring for change/trends, e.g. drying climate, ocean acidification


The goal of the KBNERR Education program is to engage students and the public in hands-on learning opportunities that promote appreciation of the coastal environment; support understanding of coastal ecosystems and their dynamics; and foster stewardship.


• Continue to foster and build new partnerships.


• Continue to foster and build new partnerships.• Provide Discovery Lab opportunities to K-12 students

from throughout Southcentral Alaska, as well as local and visiting individuals and families.



from throughout Southcentral Alaska.• Develop and deliver Professional Teacher Development

workshops and classes.



from throughout Southcentral Alaska.• Provide Discovery Lab opportunities to local and visiting

individuals and families.• Develop and deliver Professional Teacher Development

workshops and classes.• Encourage and train, when necessary, all ages to

participate in sport fishing activities.


The goal of the KBNERR Coastal Training Program is to inform and enhance collaborative decision-making for the sustainability of Kenai Peninsula ecosystems, particularly Kachemak Bay.


• Partnerships!


• Partnerships!• Increase visibility in the region, and be the leader as a

facilitator of information/data exchange (WNITB)


• Partnerships!• Increase visibility in the region, and be the leader as a

facilitator of information/data exchange (WNITB)• Continue to strengthen the role as the leading training

provider to local and regional coastal decision-makers.


The goal of the KBNERR Administration is provide strategic leadership and vision to the Reserve, while offering program support to ensure excellence in coastal research, monitoring, education and training.


• Partnerships!


• Partnerships!• Provide program vision, leadership and management –

positioning the Reserve to be a leader in local, regional and statewide coastal research, monitoring, education and training.




• Fiscal oversight, forecasting, tracking.




• Fiscal oversight, forecasting, tracking.• Provide guidance and training in state and national

administrative processes.


Next steps:• Final edits / layout finalized• Final review by NOAA and ADF&G• Notice of plan review on Federal Register• 30 day public review and comment period• Public meeting in Homer• Review and response to all comments received• Submittal to NOAA and approval• Distribution• Extended vacation……..

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve Management plan

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