The Morro Bay National Estuary Program (MBNEP) is a collaborative organization that brings local citizens, businesses, government, non-profits, agencies, and landowners together to protect and restore the physical, biological, economic, and recreational values of the Morro Bay Estuary.

Through this partnership the MBNEP works to:

* Educate the community and visitors about the estuary and its biological, recreational and economic value.

* Track the health of the estuary through a Volunteer Monitoring Program.

* Reduce urban run-off and other types of water pollution.

* Slow the filling of the bay with sediment by restoring creek habitat and repairing floodplains that function as sediment traps.

* Restore and protect habitat in and around the estuary.

* Provide grants to local organizations for projects that improve the health of the estuary and watershed.

Morro Bay was named as a National Estuary Program through the determined work of the Friends of the Estuary and the Bay Foundation of Morro Bay. In 1995, after years of work, Morro Bay was designated one of only 28 National Estuaries. As a National Estuary, the MBNEP receives financial assistance and programmatic guidance from USEPA. For more information about the estuary visit the Morro Bay Estuary Nature Center at Marina and Embarcadero in Morro Bay (open everyday from 10-5) or go to www.mbnep.org

Morro Bay National Estuary Program
601 Embarcadero Suite 11
Morro Bay CA 93442
805-772-3834
Fax 805-772-4162