Background: The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (Reserve) is a state-federal partnership program managed cooperatively between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the state of Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) to support the informed management of coastal ecosystems and communities through integrated research, education, training, and stewardship activities. The Narragansett Bay Reserve is located on four islands in the middle of  arragansett Bay and is one of 29 reserves in a national system of protected areas (NERRS) located on each of America’s coasts. Reserve headquarters are located on Prudence Island which is only accessible by ferry. However, work can be accomplished from auxiliary offices in Pr