Protection of Coastal Habitats

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Coastal Program - Great Lakes is developing innovative partnerships with local and statewide land trusts and other conservation partners to identify and protect some of the most valuable fish and wildlife habitat and species in the Great Lakes basin.  The program features non-regulatory, partnership-based efforts to achieve its mission. 

The Coastal Program’s Mission is to conserve healthy coastal ecosystems for the benefit of fish, wildlife and people. It accomplishes this through cooperative partnerships that identify, restore and protect habitat in priority coastal areas. It works with a variety of partners, including other Federal and State agencies, local and tribal governments, businesses, conservation organizations and private landowners.

Why Should We Care About Our Great Lakes Coasts

The binational Great Lakes Basin, representing the world’s largest fresh water system and the nation’s fourth largest coastline, supports the livelihood and activities of 10 percent of the U.S. and 25 percent of the Canadian populations. The environmental and economic vitality of the Great Lakes depends on the ecological state of the lakes, including fish and wildlife communities and associated habitats. As a full partner with States, Tribes, local governments, academia, industry and citizen groups, the Service brings a variety of tools to bear on the most pressing fish and wildlife issues facing the basin.

Threats To Coastal Habitats

Numerous fish and wildlife species and their habitats within the Great Lakes Basin face serious threats from human population growth and the development and disturbance that are often a consequence of growth.  Because coastal areas have the highest population densities in the country and are expected to face continuing population pressures, there is a strong need for action to protect and restore coastal habitats.

The Program is Guided by Three Ecological Principles

1)  Maintain natural coastal ecosystem diversity, functions and productivity

2)  Promote natural, self-sustaining populations of native species within their historic ranges

3)  Provide for ecologically sound levels of public use, economic benefits, and the enjoyment of natural resources

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  Please select from the links above
to learn more about the recent accomplishments of the program,
qualification factors and submission procedures.

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