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Essential Fish Habitat: A Smart Investment for Sustainable Fisheries Q&A with the head of NOAA Fisheries about the importance of fish habitat and the law protecting it |
Fish Habitat Protection Reaches Milestone in 2016In the ocean, home is where the fish are. Expert fishers and scientists know that fish gather in certain places, and keeping those habitats healthy can result in more fish to catch. For marine engineers and developers, finding ways to protect fish habitat can become a win-win situation, because their smart development creates both economic and environmental benefits. This type of thinking, while logical, is still in its early stages. Fortunately, more and more people are recognizing that habitat is extremely important for maintaining healthy fish stocks and the jobs that depend on them. Congress recognized its importance in 1996 by adding Essential Fish Habitat requirements to the nation’s main fisheries law, the Magnuson Stevens Act, which is now celebrating its 40th year (#MSA40). The update supports responsible economic growth while protecting our nation’s natural infrastructure. We welcome you to join us in celebrating 20 years of Essential Fish Habitat (#EFH20). Browse the stories here to discover what makes fish habitat so “essential.” |
![]() Read a Leadership Message about Essential Fish Habitat from Pat Montanio, Director of Habitat Conservation at NOAA Fisheries |
Features
Essential Fish Habitat 101
What is Essential Fish Habitat?: Get the scoop from the Habitat Protection Division. |
Essential Fish Habitat Mapper: Choose your fish or place of interest. |
Our Living Oceans: Habitat: Review the first comprehensive national summary of ocean habitat. |
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Essential fish habitat includes all types of aquatic habitat, such as—
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Wetlands | Coral Reefs | Seagrasses | Rivers |
— where fish spawn, breed, feed, or grow to maturity.
For more EFH success stories, visit here.