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 student 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 Reserve partners with NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management recently launched the Margaret A. Davidson Graduate Fellowship. This graduate fellowship is a two-year program, supporting students to conduct collaborative research at one of the 30 national estuarine research reserves around the country. The fellowship comes with financial support, the ability to develop meaningful coastal research projects, networking opportunities and professional development and mentoring. For more information, see the link above or contact our Research Coordinator.
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. 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.
