the national fish habitat action plan – a national plan to conserve fish (and shellfish) habitat...

The National Fish Habitat Action PlanThe National Fish Habitat Action Plan– – A National Plan to Conserve Fish A National Plan to Conserve Fish (and Shellfish)(and Shellfish) Habitat Habitat The National Fish Habitat Action PlanThe National Fish Habitat Action Plan– – A National Plan to Conserve Fish A National Plan to Conserve Fish (and Shellfish)(and Shellfish) Habitat Habitat

Kay A. McGraw, Ph.D.Kay A. McGraw, Ph.D.

NOAA Restoration CenterNOAA Restoration Center

Silver Spring, MD.Silver Spring, MD.

Kay A. McGraw, Ph.D.Kay A. McGraw, Ph.D.

NOAA Restoration CenterNOAA Restoration Center

Silver Spring, MD.Silver Spring, MD.

TopicsTopics

● What is NFHAP?

● Why is it important?

● How does it work?

● Science and Data Team – Assessment Tool

● How you can be involved

What is NFHAP?What is NFHAP?

●Nationwide strategy●Voluntary●Science-based objectives●Analyze data on fish (and shellfish) habitat (location and condition) ●Identify priority areas and actions●Apply to both freshwater and marine fish (and shellfish) habitat

NFHAP MISSIONNFHAP MISSION

“…to protect, restore, and enhance the nation’s fish (and shellfish) and aquatic communities through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation and improve the quality of life for the American people.”

Signed on April 24, 2006 by:

Carlos Gutierrez Secretary of Commerce Lynn Scarlett Acting Secretary of the Interior

John Cooper President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

John BaughmanExecutive Vice President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

http://www.fishhabitat.org

The PlanThe PlanAnd shellfish

Why NFHAP? The Problem – Fisheries and Their Habitats are at a CrossroadsWhy NFHAP? The Problem – Fisheries and Their Habitats are at a Crossroads● Oyster reefs are the most impacted of any Oyster reefs are the most impacted of any marine ecosystem in the world (85% loss globally)!! marine ecosystem in the world (85% loss globally)!!

● ~ 90% of native mussel species are endangered, ~ 90% of native mussel species are endangered, threatened, or of special concernthreatened, or of special concern

● 51% of crayfish species are at risk51% of crayfish species are at risk

● 80% of freshwater gastropods are at risk (many extinct)80% of freshwater gastropods are at risk (many extinct)●40% of our commercial and recreational fisheries are declining40% of our commercial and recreational fisheries are declining

● 37% of our freshwater fish species are in trouble37% of our freshwater fish species are in trouble

● High rate of aquatic habitat loss in U.S. and globally;High rate of aquatic habitat loss in U.S. and globally;

● Between 1986 – 1997 a net loss of 644,000 acres of wetlands Between 1986 – 1997 a net loss of 644,000 acres of wetlands

● ~50 – 60% of the U.S. population lives within 50 mi. of a coastline~50 – 60% of the U.S. population lives within 50 mi. of a coastline

● ~ 20% of inland species are imperiled;~ 20% of inland species are imperiled;

● ~ additional 37% are at risk;~ additional 37% are at risk;

●PNW – 80% of known commercial fish stocks in declinePNW – 80% of known commercial fish stocks in decline

● Oyster reefs are the most impacted of any Oyster reefs are the most impacted of any marine ecosystem in the world (85% loss globally)!! marine ecosystem in the world (85% loss globally)!!