In 1999, the Reserve entered into an international agreement with the Republic of Ireland to establish a sister Reserve program. Taking advantage of the 1996 Peace Treaty that links NOAA to Ireland's Marine Institute (in Irish, Foras Na Mara), the partnership included Northern Ireland as well. As a result, the Reserve is developing cooperative agreements to form a linkage with Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland and the Shannon Estuary on the west coast of the Republic of Ireland. Both of these sites have been designated as Marine Protected Areas through the European Commission. The goal is to share and exchange information and research. The Reserve will be offering eco-tourism trips to both sites.