NOAA Habitat Blueprint

WHY DO WE NEED THE NOAA HABITAT BLUEPRINT?

Protecting our natural infrastructure—our global life support systems—is vital to protecting our communities and their economies as well as fisheries and recreational opportunities along our coasts. With continued widespread loss and deterioration of coastal and marine habitats, we are in danger of losing this infrastructure. Congress has charged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with protecting habitat for fish, threatened and endangered species, marine mammals, and other natural resources within the coastal zone.

Now that we are turning the corner on ending overfishing, we need to increase the sustainability and productivity of our fisheries by focusing on the habitat that fish need to spawn and grow, as well as protecting the coastal resources on which our communities depend. Recognizing the need for more concerted efforts to conserve (protect and restore) habitat, we developed the NOAA Habitat Blueprint to build on existing programs, prioritize our activities, and guide our future actions. Simply put—we are improving the way we do business.

“As we end overfishing and rebuild stocks, we must look forward to ensure healthy habitats support sustainable fisheries, protected resources, and coastal economies. The Habitat Blueprint provides a basis for NOAA to advance the understanding of habitat’s contribution to ecosystems and to integrate habitat science and conservation into our management efforts.”

Eric C. Schwaab, Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries,
Performing the duties and functions of the Assistant Secretary of
Conservation and Management/Deputy Administrator

VISION

Healthy habitats that sustain resilient and thriving marine and coastal resources, communities, and economies.

PURPOSE

The Habitat Blueprint provides a forward looking framework for NOAA to think and act strategically across programs and with partner organizations to address the growing challenge of coastal and marine habitat loss and degradation.

We will increase the effectiveness of our efforts to improve habitat conditions for fisheries, coastal and marine life, along with other economic, cultural, and environmental benefits our society needs and enjoys.

OUTCOMES

Sustainable and abundant fish populations
Recovered threatened and endangered species
Protected coastal and marine areas and habitats at risk
Resilient coastal communities
Increased coastal/marine tourism, access, and recreation

Please email additional questions to Helen McMillan at helen.mcmillan@noaa.gov.