| #R001 | operational | operational | mandatory | CCMP Development and Implementation | other | Each NEP develops and implements a long-term plan (referred to as a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP)) based on local priorities to guide their efforts. | Applicable to all designated National Estuary Programs | high |
| #R002 | operational | operational | mandatory | Community Involvement in Decision-Making | other | The NEPs involve community members in the decision-making process. | | high |
| #R003 | operational | operational | mandatory | Management Conference Collaborative Approach | other | Each NEP has a Management Conference (MC) that consists of diverse stakeholders and uses a collaborative, consensus-building approach to implement the CCMP. | | high |
| #R004 | administrative | reporting | mandatory | Governor Nomination Submission | other | state governors in which the estuary and its watershed are located submit the nomination to the EPA Administrator. | When the EPA periodically calls for nominations to bring on new NEPs | high |
| #R005 | administrative | operational | mandatory | Resource and Matching Fund Commitment | other | committing resources to support a program, if selected, with long-term matching funds and other resources; | Part of the required nomination package for Estuary of National Significance designation | high |
| #R006 | administrative | operational | mandatory | Lead Entity Identification | other | identifying a lead entity to manage the program; | Part of the required nomination package for Estuary of National Significance designation | high |
| #R007 | administrative | reporting | mandatory | Environmental Need Demonstration | other | demonstrating significant environmental need to protect and restore the nominated estuary; | Critical element of the Governor's nomination package for Estuary of National Significance designation | high |
| #R008 | administrative | operational | mandatory | Program Development Commitment | other | committing to fully develop a National Estuary Program consistent with Section 320 of the Clean Water Act; | Critical element of the Governor's nomination package for Estuary of National Significance designation | high |
| #R009 | administrative | operational | mandatory | Stakeholder Support Demonstration | other | demonstrating strong state and local long-term support from a wide range of partners and stakeholders; | Critical element of the Governor's nomination package for Estuary of National Significance designation | high |
| #R010 | administrative | operational | mandatory | CCMP Engagement Commitment | other | engaging in the development and implementation of an EPA approved Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). | Critical element of the Governor's nomination package for Estuary of National Significance designation | high |
| #R011 | operational | operational | mandatory | Management Conference Tailoring Duty | other | each MC ensures that the CCMP is uniquely tailored to the local environmental conditions and is based on local input, thereby supporting local priorities. | | high |