The document outlines the vision, goals, and strategic focus areas of the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (KBNERR) for 2012-2016. The KBNERR is committed to conducting coastal research, education, and training to understand and promote sustainable use of Alaskan coastal resources. Key areas of focus include climate change impacts, harvested species, and engaging stakeholders in decision-making. The reserve aims to be a leader in coastal science through partnerships and programs in research, education, coastal training, and administration.

1. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
2012 – 2016
KBRR Management Plan
Draft Overview

2. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
KBNERR Unifying vision:

3. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
KBNERR Unifying vision:
• We are committed to providing leadership and building partnerships to
conduct and promote excellence in regional research, education and training.

4. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
KBNERR Unifying vision:
• We are committed to providing leadership and building partnerships to
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.

5. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
KBNERR Unifying vision:
• We are committed to providing leadership and building partnerships to
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.

6. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
KBNERR Unifying vision:
• We are committed to providing leadership and building partnerships to
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.

7. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
KBNERR Unifying vision:
• We are committed to providing leadership and building partnerships to
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 translating and communicating the results of our science,
and that of others, to promote informed coastal decision-making.

8. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
Programmatic Focus:
• Climate Change
• Harvested Species

9. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
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.

10. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
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

11. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
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

12. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
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
• Monitoring for change/trends, e.g. drying climate, ocean
acidification

13. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
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.

14. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
• Continue to foster and build new partnerships.

15. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
• 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.

16. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
• Continue to foster and build new partnerships.
• Provide Discovery Lab opportunities to K-12 students
from throughout Southcentral Alaska.
• Develop and deliver Professional Teacher Development
workshops and classes.

17. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
• Continue to foster and build new partnerships.
• Provide Discovery Lab opportunities to K-12 students
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.

18. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
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.

19. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
• Partnerships!

20. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
• Partnerships!
• Increase visibility in the region, and be the leader as a
facilitator of information/data exchange (WNITB)

21. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
• 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.

22. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
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.

23. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
• Partnerships!

24. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
• 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.

25. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
• 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.

26. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
• 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.
• Provide guidance and training in state and national
administrative processes.

27. Kachemak Bay
National Estuarine Research Reserve System Research Reserve
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……..