The signing took place during a week of wetland restoration on the island, involving 30,000 plants, hordes of volunteers, multi-agencies, and the Friends of Blackwater.

To date, 50 acres of estuarine wetland have been restored, and several miles of shoreline have been protected. The impetus for this agreement is to develop new partnerships between the aquarium and the Service's Fisheries Program. In addition to habitat restoration, future collaborations will include captive fish rearing and release of cultured fish, innovative outreach programs for students at regional schools, development of new outreach tools, and the promotion of recreational fishing, with an emphasis on urban areas.

The coordination and resource sharing specified in this memorandum will support both the aquarium's and Service's commitment and those of our stakeholders to build a future that ensures healthy fish populations, healthy aquatic habitats, healthy economies, and healthy people. The document can also serve as a template for the region as we pursue other partnership opportunities with other American Zoo and Aquarium Association institutions.