National Estuarine
Research Reserves

About This Reserve

This is the largest reserve in the system, covering more than 320 miles of Alaska’s shoreline. It’s one of the most productive, diverse, and intensively used estuaries in the state. The bay is 39 miles long and 24 miles wide at its entrance between Anchor Point and Point Pogibshi, with more than 320 miles of shoreline. Among its most spectacular features is the Homer Spit, the nation’s second largest spit, projecting 4.5 miles out into the Kachemak Bay. A 28-foot tidal range creates a wide band of intertidal habitats. Rocky substrates intermixed with beaches and tidal flats, extensive mud flats, wetlands, glaciers, submerged aquatic vegetation, and open water are the predominant habitat features.

Kachemak Bay Reserve, one of 30 areas in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, is protected for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education, and coastal stewardship. Daily management and oversight is provided by the Alaska Center for Conservation Science and other local partners. NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management provides funding, national guidance, and technical assistance.