By KINSLEY COOK
The Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Program (CBEP) is a collaborative effort involving
government agencies, non-profits, and local communities, all working together to safeguard and
enhance the natural resources, water quality, and economic significance of Choctawhatchee
Bay and its surrounding watershed. In 1988, September 21 through 28 was named National
Estuaries Week to remind all about the importance of protecting natural resources.
The CBEP highlights the lasting impact and effects from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in
- The spill had a profound effect on habitats, wildlife, and local economies across the Gulf of Mexico, including the Panhandle. Despite the ongoing negative impacts, it also served as a
wake-up call for the region, emphasizing the importance of watershed planning and strategic
collaboration with key stakeholders. - National Estuaries Week celebrates efforts to protect the Choctawhatchee Bay and prioritizes
the bay’s significance.
GARETT VALCOURT 
Staff Report 