US$9 million in funding for US coastal habitat restoration projects

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recommended US$9 million in funding for 17 coastal habitat restoration projects across the United States.

These projects will restore at least 1,400 acres of habitat, and up to 80 stream miles for fish passage.

Recommended projects will use a habitat-based approach to increase fish production and foster species recovery. Successful proposals will help rebuild fish stocks, help recover threatened and endangered species, or benefit other coastal and marine species (such as forage fish).

These projects contribute to NOAA’s conservation efforts to assist the recovery of three “species in the spotlight” at risk of extinction.

NOAA’s investment in habitat is part of its long-term effort to rebuild fisheries, many of which have declined precipitously from habitat loss, over-fishing, and climate change.