Office of Habitat Conservation

Protecting and restoring habitat to sustain fisheries, recover protected species, and maintain resilient coastal communities and ecosystems. WHAT WE DO We protect and restore habitat to sustain fisheries, recover protected species, and maintain resilient coastal ecosystems and communities. Our goals are to: Conserve habitat for managed fisheries and protected resources Restore fisheries and protected resources impacted by oil and chemical spills Increase the resilience of coastal ecosystems, communities, and economies through habitat conservation For us, conservation means protection and restoration. We protect healthy habitat by prioritizing our work to address the biggest threats. We restore degraded or injured habitat by removing dams and other barriers, reconnecting coastal wetlands, and rebuilding coral and oyster reefs to ensure fish have access to high quality areas to live. Our approach to habitat conservation is collaborative and uses sound science in support of our major mandates like the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Oil Pollution Act. We focus our efforts for the benefit of marine resources and coastal communities. And, we work in partnerships at all levels—with local, state, federal governments, private entities, and non-governmental organizations—toward shared goals and enhanced understanding. Healthy habitats support fish, clean water, and recreation, but they are declining due to stressors like pollution, development, and extreme weather. We strive to address these issues through our programs and activities which directly support the nation’s communities and economy.