National Estuarine Research Reserve System

Reserve Information

Designated

1988

Lead Agency

Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
(Visit Site)

Protects

2,804 acres

Located

South shore of Cape Cod, in the towns of Falmouth and Mashpee, Massachusetts

Additional Information

Habitats in this reserve include tributary streams, ponds, and vernal pools which support unique vegetation and animal communities including amphibians and anadromous fish.

Biogeographic Region

Virginian

Tidal Range

0.6 meters

About This Reserve

This reserve is located on the south shore of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and contains open waters, salt and fresh marshes, barrier beaches, sand dunes, rivers, mixed pine and oak forests, and sandplain grasslands. Waquoit Bay, approximately 825 acres, is the dominant water feature and once supported one of the most diverse estuarine fish communities in the state. Waquoit Bay is still important to commercial and recreational shellfish and finfish fisheries.

The Waquoit Bay Reserve is one of 30 areas in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. The site is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for long-term research, water-quality monitoring, education, and coastal stewardship. NOAA's Office for Coastal Management provides funding, national guidance, and technical assistance.

National Estuarine
Research Reserves

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve