What is essential fish habitat?

Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) can consist of both the water column and the underlying surface (e.g. seafloor) of a particular area. Areas designated as EFH contain habitat essential to the long-term survival and health of our nation's fisheries. Certain properties of the water column such as temperature, nutrients, or salinity are essential to various species. Some species may require certain bottom types such as sandy or rocky bottoms, vegetation such as seagrasses or kelp, or structurally complex coral or oyster reefs.

EFH includes those habitats that support the different life stages of each managed species. A single species may use many different habitats throughout its life to support breeding, spawning, nursery, feeding, and protection functions. EFH encompasses those habitats necessary to ensure healthy fisheries now and in the future.