NOAA and our partners’ investment in oyster restoration produces almost double the amount in economic and environmental benefits according to a report by the North Carolina Coastal Federation. For every $1 spent on oyster reef restoration, the state sees $1.70 in return. The restoration process creates jobs, generates revenue for local businesses, and supports commercial and recreational fisheries. We are currently working with the Federation to expand the Senator Jean Preston Oyster Sanctuary Network in Pamlico Sound to 500 acres. Contact: Stephanie Krug.

For nearly 20 years, NOAA and our partners have worked to restore former cranberry bogs to create biodiverse wetlands. These restored habitats allow migratory fish like river herring to reach their spawning grounds. This January, construction crews broke ground on a new project on Falmouth's Upper Coonamessett River to restore the river and riparian wetlands at a former commercial cranberry bog. Contacts: Jim Turek, Danielle Perry.

The Raritan River Fish Passage Initiative has led to the removal of six dams in New Jersey. There are plans to remove dams or improve fish passage at nine other sites throughout the watershed. NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation is working with partners to remove the Rockafellows Mill Dam on the South Branch of the Raritan River. This represents NOAA’s most significant investment in the watershed since the initiative began in 2008. Contact: Carl Alderson.

Last winter, endangered Central California Coast coho salmon returned to Mendocino Coast rivers and streams in the highest numbers since monitoring began 16 years ago. NOAA scientists believe that the restoration of freshwater habitats and collaboration with landowners to improve land management practices have played a significant role. The Nature Conservancy and Trout Unlimited report that endangered Central California Coast coho salmon are using NOAA-funded restoration sites. They are accessing areas where they have not been seen in 70 years or more. Funding this restoration work not only  helps salmon, it also creates jobs and boosts the local economy. In Mendocino NOAA funding for salmon habitat restoration employs foresters, construction workers, and other professionals. Contact: Joe Pecharich.

NOAA and partners successfully completed a 3-week mission in Hawaiʻi to restore a coral reef framework gouged in a ship grounding. Initially, a passive approach had been used, but years later the team discovered loose rubble remained and there were few stable surfaces for coral to grow. The team sought training on a new method called rubble stabilization, previously used in the Caribbean, to secure the loose, tumbling live rocks to the seafloor. The mission was complex, and arduous, but there is hope for success. Contact: Shannon Ruseborn.

The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act Program has approved $36.9 million in funding for the NOAA-sponsored North Delacroix Marsh Creation and Terracing Project. NOAA works through CWPPRA to restore habitat and support resilient communities and sustainable fisheries along the Louisiana coast. Funding will support construction of the North Delacroix project. The project, in partnership with the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority,  will restore nearly 380 acres of marsh and construct more than 7,000 feet of terraces in St. Bernard Parish. Contact: Cecelia Linder.

Researchers at Morgan State University found that restored oyster reefs—especially when paired with eelgrass recovery—boost habitat, blue crab harvest, and the economy. Their work, which was funded by the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office’s Fisheries Research Program, noted that healthy reefs plus eelgrass restoration in Virginia’s Middle Peninsula could lead to a 122% increase in blue crab harvest. Contact: Andrew Larkin.

The Chesapeake Bay was colder and saltier than average during winter 2024–25. What does that mean for the Bay’s living resources? As the phrase goes, “it’s complicated.” Colder temperatures may have been hard on blue crab, but good for striped bass. But the higher salinity may diminish prey availability in spring for striped bass. Contact: Bruce Vogt.

Through early April, NOAA took a court-side look at how we protect and restore marsh habitat to sustain fisheries, recover protected species, and maintain resilient coastal ecosystems and communities as part of #MarshMadness

Puerto Rico’s mangroves—and other coastal habitats—are important, for both the economy and the environment. But many of them were destroyed by Hurricane Maria in 2017. That’s where BoriCorps comes in: Funded by NOAA, this program is helping young Puerto Ricans restore habitats like mangroves while gaining crucial work experience. Participants also receive an education award and gain experience that will enhance their resume and help them get jobs.

Scientists at the NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science partner with us in the NOAA Middle Peninsula Habitat Focus Area in Virginia. Recently, they developed an interactive map of the York River that contains information about some fish species that are found in the York and the habitats in the river that they use.

The National Fish Habitat Partnership seeks a candidate representing the commercial fishing industry to join the National Fish Habitat Board. Join efforts to protect, restore, and enhance fish habitat nationwide by submitting your application by April 30, 2025. Please email your resume and letter of interest to: info@fishhabitat.org