The importance of the estuary was recognised in 1988 when it was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This has been endorsed by a European Directive making it a Special Protected Area (SPA), a Special Area for Conservation (SAC) and a European Marine site. The area is also recognised by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as a wetland of international importance. Finally, in 2002, North East Lincolnshire Council made the area from the Cleethorpes Leisure Centre to the county boundary a Local Nature Reserve. More information on this can be found by visiting the web pages for Cleethorpes Local Nature Reserve.