National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) services

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened habitats on earth. In the U.S., they include rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands from the Cascade and Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevada, the Great Lakes and the Chesapeake Bay. Many fish and aquatic species that live here face critical challenges to their survival.

The marine and coastal ecosystems of the United States encompass a remarkable diversity of life. Our oceans, estuaries, coastal wetlands, beaches and reefs provide a home for fish, crabs, sea turtles, coral, shorebirds, oysters, and seabirds. Many of these species are threatened by poor water quality, overharvesting, and the impact of invasive species.