Dr. William Reay of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science was honored with the Outstanding Contributions Award given by the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) during their annual meeting Nov. 5.

This is the highest award given by NERRS and recognizes a scientist whose work benefits the study and understanding of estuaries. 

Erica Seiden, Ecosystem Services Manager at NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, said, “Willy’s accomplishments are significant and varied and speak to the variety of his skills,” adding, “He believes wholeheartedly in the NERRS mission and is dedicated to ensuring we are living laboratories and national leaders in providing high quality, long-term data on estuaries.”

Reay directs the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Virginia, or CBNERR, which is managed through VIMS. Designated in 1991, the reserve manages four sites along the salinity gradient of the York River.

According to VIMS...