Board recognized March, 2009

The geographic extent of ACFHP stretches from Maine to the Florida Keys, including all or part of 16 states. It covers 476,357 square miles, from the headwaters of coastally draining rivers to the edge of the continental shelf. ACFHP works throughout the region but focuses on estuarine habitat utilized by coastal, estuarine-dependent, and diadromous fish species. The issues that ACFHP addresses are complex, and tackling them is important for the conservation of Atlantic coastal habitats. This Partnership was designed to bring diverse groups together to identify the causes of habitat declines, implement strategic corrective action, and measure and communicate progress made through its efforts. The end result of ACFHP actions benefit not only a great number of species but a large population of resource users as well. Covering a densely populated region in close proximity to some of the country’s most productive and unique fish habitats, ACFHP’s role in making the connection between headwater and continental shelf habitats; non-governmental organizations (NGOs), state, federal, tribal, and various stakeholders; and people and fish habitat is vital to maintaining healthy fish habitat. ACFHP has a three-pronged approach to conserving fish habitat: 1) conducting regional habitat assessments and developing science and data tools to identify high priority areas; 2) delivering expertise and resources to on-the-ground fish habitat protection and restoration projects; and 3) communicating both the Partnership’s successes and bringing awareness to the various threats and challenges facing Atlantic coastal fish habitats. The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership was recognized by the Board in March 2009.