The Chesapeake Bay NERR in Virginia was designated in 1991. The Reserve is managed by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). VIMS has a three-part mission to conduct interdisciplinary research in coastal ocean and estuarine science, educate students and citizens, and provide advisory service to policy makers, industry, and the public. The VIMS School of Marine Science (SMS) is the professional graduate school in marine science for the College of William & Mary. Chartered in 1940, VIMS is currently the third largest marine research and education center in the United States. CBNERRVA strives to be a national leader in demonstrating how science, education and coastal resource stewardship can solve coastal management problems and improve the awareness and understanding of estuaries. In order to achieve our primary goals, CBNERRVA is continually developing complimentary programs of research, education, and land stewardship.

The multiple component Reserve system located along the York River estuary is a key resource that supports all aspects of Reserve activities. Reserve components include Sweet Hall Marsh, Taskinas Creek, Catlett Islands, and Goodwin Islands.