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Welcome to the Office of Habitat Conservation
Coastal and marine habitats are some of the most biologically rich and economically valuable areas on Earth. They provide a range of benefits to our nation by:
- Playing an essential role in the reproduction, growth, and sustainability of commercial and recreational fisheries and protected species.
- Providing recreational opportunities for the public’s use and enjoyment.
- Protecting life and property by helping to buffer coastal communities against natural hazards such as storms, coastal flooding, and sea level rise.
- Supporting the biodiversity on which marine and coastal ecosystems depend.
The Office of Habitat Conservation is working to protect, restore, and promote stewardship of these habitats to ensure they are healthy and self-sustaining, which is vital to support living marine resources, human use, and resilient coastal communities.
Highlights of Habitat Conservation
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Assessing Sturgeon Habitat
Atlantic sturgeon, which live in the ocean but spawn in tidal freshwater, have been lost from most of their original range due to overfishing and habitat loss. Find out what NOAA scientists are doing to preserve and restore spawning habitat for the James River sturgeon. |
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Restoring the Barrier Islands of Louisiana’s Barataria Bay
More than just an ideal place for vacation, barrier islands serve many purposes, including buffering coastal communities from storms and hurricanes. Unfortunately, barrier islands are under attack by forces such as subsidence, sea level rise, and erosion. Discover how NOAA is restoring the barrier islands of Louisiana’s Barataria Bay. |
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Multitasking the Nation’s Rivers
At a time when nearly everyone seems to be talking about climate change, hydropower has become an especially hot topic. While hydropower reduces the air emissions that contribute to climate change, hydropower dams also block passage to spawning habitat. Learn what NOAA is doing to restore fish passage. |
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