Collective National Impact: The National Estuary Programs
In March, Jessica Lewis and I had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC to participate in a joint meeting of the Association of National Estuary Programs and USEPA. Despite weather-related travel delays on my part, Jessica was also able to meet with most of our local Congressional delegation to share the work we do as a National Estuary Program. As most of you already know, America's estuaries — the places where freshwaters meet the sea — are among the most productive and vital ecosystems on the planet. Established by Congress in 1987, the National Estuary Program safeguards 28 of these irreplaceable coastal environments stretching from the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts to Puerto Rico. The Tampa Bay Estuary Program has been proud to be part of this national network since 1991.
These places aren't just beautiful natural spaces, though — they are what define our thriving coastal communities. Over 600 commercial fish species depend on healthy estuaries, and the US coastal and ocean economies they support generate jobs at twice the national average. Through local, science-based and community-driven
approaches, the National Estuary Program network addresses real challenges along our collective national coast like emerging pollutants, wastewater, stormwater runoff, harmful algal blooms, and the growing threats of coastal flooding and shoreline erosion — protecting both critical coastal habitats and the people who live, work and play
along our shores.
The National Estuary Program also stands out as one of the most cost-effective environmental investments the federal government makes. For every dollar appropriated by Congress, the program leverages an extraordinary $17 in local, state, and private-sector contributions. In 2025 alone, that meant $346 million in partner funding helping to protect, restore, or maintain nearly 155,000 acres of coastal habitat.
We are deeply grateful to the members of Congress who continue to
champion the National Estuary Program through both the federal re-authorization
and annual appropriations processes. The broad support reflected in
the unanimous House passage of the ESTUARIES Act of 2025 and in the 75
legislators—including 11 bipartisan supporters in FL—who have signed on to urge
full, authorized National Estuary Program funding for next year sends a powerful message: protecting our coastal ecosystems is not a partisan issue — it is an American priority.
From Florida to Washington State, from New Jersey to California, these
representatives understand that healthy estuaries mean healthier communities,
stronger local economies, and a more resilient coastline for generations to come.
Their continued leadership and support make this vital work possible, and coastal
communities across the nation are better for it.
The TBEP specifically expresses appreciation to Representatives Bilirakis,
Buchanan, Castor, Lee and Steube — whose districts represent portions of the
Tampa Bay watershed — in their support for the National Estuary Program re-
authorization and/or appropriations processes this year.
—Ed Sherwood, Executive Director for the Tampa Bay Estuary Program
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