In 1977, the journal was acquired by the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation and in 1978 it was renamed Estuaries.

The co-editors-in-chief are Linda Deegan (Woodwell Climate Research Center) and Paul Montagna (Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi).

[2] Estuaries and Coasts publishes scholarly manuscripts on estuarine and near coastal ecosystems at the interface between the land and the sea where there are tidal fluctuations or sea water is diluted by fresh water.

The journal covers research on physical, chemical, geological or biological processes, as well as applications to management of estuaries and coasts.

The journal publishes original research findings, reviews and perspectives, techniques, comments, and management applications.