IN THIS SECTION
Reserves were created to be platforms for research— places where scientists and students come together to study how estuaries function and the connections between these special places and the communities that depend on them to thrive.
What We Offer
With protected sites and a long-term monitoring data set, the Great Bay Reserve is an ideal place to conduct research or to use as a reference for long-term studies. As a part of a network of estuary Reserves around the country, we also offer an opportunity to compare coastal conditions and trends across regions or the nation.
The Great Bay Reserve offers access to salt marsh, mudflat, oyster reef, and eelgrass habitats. Our staff can help connect visiting scientists to those within our network and resources maintained at our Reserve and by local partners. We also have close connections with local communities that can support research exploring the influence of human activity and policy on the Great Bay’s ecosystem.
All visiting scientists should also fill out a research permit with the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game. Please contact our Research Coordinator for more information.
Graduate Research & Internships
There are many opportunities for graduate research at the Great Bay Reserve. We encourage students of all disciplines to consider projects that explore estuarine ecosystems and/or the influence of people on these systems.
Our partners at NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management recently launched the Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Fellowship, a new program that will be available at the 29 Reserves in our national system. This two-year fellowship will support graduate students as they address key questions that communities and scientists have related to managing coastal natural resources. Pending congressional appropriations, NOAA anticipates a stipend of $41,000 per student for research and travel, and an additional equipment and supply budget of approximately $7,000.
The first fellowship class is anticipated to begin in summer of 2020. Email OCM.DavidsonFellowship@noaa.gov to join the mailing list to receive additional information. Check out the New Hampshire–specific management priorities here and contact the corresponding staff if you are considering applying.
The Great Bay Reserve also offers seasonal internship opportunities for students who are looking for research and monitoring experience and are fulfilling an academic requirement for school credit. Download a flyer about the program, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator to be put on a list to receive announcements.
Citizen Science
Science to understand and protect Great Bay is the heart of our mission and you can help—no PhD required! Through our citizen science programs, anyone can be outside on the bay, while helping to make science happen. Learn more.