Rookery Bay Staff and Partner Receive Accolades in NOAA’s National Estuaries Week Photo Contest

Out of hundreds of photographs submitted from National Estuarine Research Reserves across the country, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Eco Tour partner Rising Tide Explorers proudly brought home top honors in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) 2026 National Estuaries Week Photo Contest.    

Congratulations to Rookery Bay Aquarist Patrycja Lawryniuk and Rising Tide Explorers Naturalist Evan Sherer, whose stunning photographs were selected as the category “Vista” winners by a panel of anonymous judges.    

Honorable Mention recognition went to Rookery Bay’s Stewardship Coordinator Jared Franklin, Education Specialist Sarah Rosenbaum and Patrycja Lawryniuk. Their photographs captured the beauty, wildlife and people that make Rookery Bay’s estuary so special.    

The contest, hosted by NOAA’s Office of Coastal Management, celebrates the nation's 30 National Estuarine Research Reserves by showcasing images that highlight learning, recreation, scenic vistas, wildlife and the dedicated people who work to protect these incredible places.    

Congratulations to all this year's winners and honorees for helping share the story of Rookery Bay through the power of photography.