Nearly $430,000 will support conservation projects that engage recreational anglers in restoring aquatic habitats.
The National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) applauds NOAA Fisheries for announcing nearly $430,000 in funding for six new habitat restoration projects in Alaska, Florida, North Carolina, and Hawaiʻi. The projects are consistent with the goals of Executive Order 14430: Restoring American Saltwater Angling and Recreation and will strengthen recreational fisheries, restore important aquatic habitats, and bring anglers directly into conservation work to support habitat for important fish caught by recreational fishers.
The investments demonstrate NOAA Fisheries continuing commitment to voluntary, collaborative partnerships that connect federal expertise and resources with local habitat priorities.
"NOAA Fisheries has been an invaluable partner in advancing fish habitat conservation across the country, and these latest investments demonstrate the importance of continued federal leadership and collaboration," said Tim Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Chairman of the National Fish Habitat Board. "NOAA's contributions go well beyond financial support. Their commitment to working with state agencies, Fish Habitat Partnerships, and recreational anglers help turn conservation priorities into meaningful, on the ground results. These projects show how federal investments can empower local partnerships to restore habitat, strengthen our fisheries, and ensure future generations can enjoy fishing and our nation's aquatic resources."
The six selected projects include:
Alaska — $59,000: Trout Unlimited will work with anglers to address aquatic invasive species, with support from the Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership and Kenai Peninsula Fish Habitat Partnership.
Florida — $66,000: Matanzas Riverkeeper will engage anglers in marine debris removal in the Guana, Tolomato, and Matanzas estuary, supported by the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership.
Florida — $80,000: The University of Florida will restore seagrass habitat in the Big Bend Seagrass Aquatic Preserve and conduct angler education, supported by the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership.
North Carolina — $72,000: The North Carolina Coastal Federation will stabilize shorelines and restore marsh habitat at Tyson Point, supported by the Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership.
Hawaiʻi — $65,000: Kuleana Coral Restoration will restore and monitor coral habitat in West Oʻahu and involve anglers and families in stewardship, supported by the Hawaii Fish Habitat Partnership.
Hawaiʻi — $84,000: Conservation International will engage anglers in tracking changing fish and habitat conditions in Maunalua Bay, supported by the Hawaii Fish Habitat Partnership.
Since 2018, NOAA has supported 30 Fish Habitat Partnership priority projects with over $1.5M invested.
As NFHP marks its 20th anniversary, NOAA Fisheries sustained support underscores the value of federal-state collaboration and the Partnership's network of 20 Fish Habitat Partnerships. Together, agencies, Tribes, conservation organizations, industry, anglers, and local communities can leverage resources and deliver habitat improvements that benefit fish, fishing, and coastal communities.
NFHP thanks NOAA Fisheries for its leadership, technical assistance, and continued investments in on-the-ground conservation.
Read NOAA Fisheries announcement: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/noaa-funds-six-new-projects-restore-habitat-collaboration-recreational-anglers
About the National Fish Habitat Partnership
Since 2006, NFHP has supported over 1,800 projects benefiting fish habitat throughout all 50 states. This effort works to conserve fish habitat nationwide, leveraging federal, state, tribal, and private funding resources to achieve the greatest effect on fish populations through priority conservation projects of 20 Fish Habitat Partnerships organized around key fish species, geographic areas, or important fish habitats. In 2020, NFHP was recognized by Congress as part of the America's Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act and was reauthorized in 2024 through passage of the America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act. NFHP guidance and policies are developed in conjunction with our partnerships and the National Fish Habitat Board. For more information, visit: https://fishhabitat.org/