### Question
How does the law define estuarine sanctuary?


### Answer
Under *16 U.S.C. § 1453*, **estuarine sanctuary** is defined as:

> a research area which may include any part or all of an estuary and any island, transitional area, and upland in, adjoining, or adjacent to such estuary, and which constitutes to the extent feasible a natural unit, set aside to provide scientists and students the opportunity to examine over a period of time the ecological relationships within the area

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 1453*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 33-COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT**

