Ocean and Coastal Conservation
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.
NFWF’s marine and coastal conservation programs bring partners together to conserve marine wildlife while protecting fishermen’s livelihoods.
Since the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, NFWF and many partners have collaborated in a major effort to boost populations of imperiled wildlife in the Gulf of Mexico. We also work in the Chesapeake Bay, Long Island Sound, San Francisco Bay and other estuaries.
NFWF’s marine and coastal programs focus on restoration and management of habitat for fish, sea turtles, corals, marine mammals, seabirds, shorebirds and other key species. They also:
- provide capacity and incentives to reduce threats to imperiled wildlife
- promote the development of sustainable fisheries, and
- support actions to reduce sedimentation and enhance water quality to restore the health of marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs.