National Estuarine Research Reserve System

National Estuaries Week – Photo Contest 2024

Congratulations to the 2024 National Estuaries Week photo contest winners. A panel of judges anonymously selected winning photos from more than 130 submissions. Thank you to all the photographers who participated.

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Three people wearing chest waders stand in waist-deep water of a lake, smiling and working with a large fishing net.
Chris Bowser, Hudson River Reserve, New York

A person in a yellow sweater, green life vest, and gray cap is sitting in a canoe, smiling at the camera while painting a small, colorful artwork.
Chris Bowser, Hudson River Reserve, New York

An osprey with outstretched wings flies towards its nest, holding a fish in its talons. The nest, made of twigs, is surrounded by green foliage, with a clear blue sky in the background.
Terry Lumb, Rookery Bay Reserve, Florida

Play

A small child walks on a vast, empty beach with water reflecting the blue sky and scattered clouds.
R. Kyle Derby, Wells Reserve, Maine

A motorboat with several people onboard in clear turquoise waters under a bright blue sky. A distant sailboat is visible on the horizon.
Sue Christensen, Rookery Bay Reserve, Florida

Smiles

A person outdoors holds an eel with both hands and smiles at the camera. They are wearing overalls and a cap.
Chris Bowser, Hudson River Reserve, New York

A person wearing a red t-shirt is smiling while holding a small turtle inside in an indoor setting.
Chris Bowser, Hudson River Reserve, New York

A person in waders stands in a shallow body of water, holding up a black container with a cheerful expression. Trees and greenery are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Jaime Belanger, South Slough Reserve, Oregon

Vista

An aerial view of a coastal scene with clear, turquoise water washing over rocky formations and sandy areas.
Julio Aguilar, Wells Reserve, Maine

Aerial view of an elaborate marshland with winding water channels and scattered ponds.
Julio Aguilar, Wells Reserve, Maine

A sunset over a calm body of water reflects vibrant orange, yellow, and purple hues in the sky. Wooden docks extend into the water, and lush greenery lines the far shore.
Sue Christensen, Apalachicola Reserve, Florida

A night sky features vibrant green and purple auroras above a landscape with an ancient stone circle in the foreground. In the background, historic buildings and a few trees are silhouetted against the colorful display of lights.
Jay Arbelo, Wells Reserve, Maine

Work

A firefighter in yellow gear uses a drip torch to ignite a controlled burn in a grassy area, while another firefighter stands by an ATV carrying equipment.
Kaitlyn Hackathorn, ACE Basin Reserve, South Carolina

A group of people wearing life jackets on a boat pull a net from a serene lake with snowy mountains in the background. The foreground features a rocky shoreline with pebbles, some covered in moss.
Lindsay Martin, Kachemak Bay Reserve, Alaska

Honorable Mentions

A tufted puffin with a white face and colorful beak floats on rippling dark water.
Sue Christensen, Kachemak Bay Reserve, Alaska

A sandhill crane stands in a grassy field, bathed in warm, golden sunlight. Its wings are spread wide, revealing detailed feathers.
Chantal Tauton, North Carolina Reserve, North Carolina

A horse-drawn cart with a driver and passengers travels along a dirt path through a vast, colorful field.
Tom Muehleisen, San Francisco Bay Reserve, California

A close-up of a small green tree frog with light stripes along its sides, sitting on a person's fingers.
Janeil Patel, Grand Bay Reserve, Mississippi

A close-up of a turtle crossing a road, with its shell and limbs clearly visible.
Janeil Patel, Grand Bay Reserve, Mississippi

A child dressed in a lab coat, goggles, and green boots stands in front of a wooden desk, holding a clipboard and test tube.
Melissa Brogle, Great Bay Reserve, New Hampshire

A smiling person in a green shirt is holding a long, narrow fish with a pointed snout and sharp teeth up to the camera.
Chris Bowser, Hudson River Reserve, New York

A person stands in a field of tall, dry grass, holding a notebook and possibly a GPS device. They are smiling and wear glasses, a knit hat, and a gray jacket.
Christina Pacella, Hudson River Reserve, New York

A calm, reflective body of water with rocky cliffs and evergreen trees on the right. The sky is clear and smaller rocks protrude from the water in the foreground.
Sue Christensen, Kachemak Bay Reserve, Alaska

A marina filled with various boats and fishing vessels. A smaller boat with several people onboard is cruising through the calm waters in the foreground.
Sue Christensen, Kachemak Bay Reserve, Alaska

Aerial view of a boat navigating through murky, shallow waters near a grassy wetland. The boat creates a wake as it moves, stirring up sediment.
Erin Weeks, ACE Basin Reserve, South Carolina

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