Over US$8 million earmarked for fish habitat restoration in four US states

More than US$8.4 million in 2022 Community Project Funding will support NOAA partners in implementing seven habitat conservation projects across the country.

The NOAA said these efforts will help support the nation's fisheries, contribute to the recovery of threatened and endangered species, and build resilient coastal ecosystems and communities.

Through Community Project Funding, also known as Congressionally Directed Spending, members of the US Congress request funding for specific projects in their communities. In 2022, the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation received US$8,479,000 in Community Project Funding to support partners' efforts on seven habitat-related projects in four states.

California

The San Diego Unified Port District will increase coastal habitat along Harbor Island in San Diego Bay, while maintaining shoreline protection in an area that receives significant wave energy from large vessels. (US$1,000,000)

Hawaii

• The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources will advance coastal stewardship of fisheries and coral reefs on the island of Hawaii. This project will integrate the efforts of many partners to build local capacity for effective science-based and community-supported coral reef management and restoration. (US$2,100,000)
• The University of Hawaii will support a partnership between the Department of Natural Resource and Environmental Management and the non-profit Hui o Hoʻohonua. This collaboration will help scale existing partnerships focused on applied biocultural restoration research and mentorship to students, as well as Hui o Hoʻohonua's work in remediating coastal ecosystems and ancestral food systems. (US$445,000)

Maryland

The Nature Conservancy will purchase approximately 150,000 native, adult oysters from aquaculture producers, then deploy them at oyster sanctuary sites in Maryland to enhance two acres (0.8 hectares) of oyster reefs. These restored reefs will increase ecosystem services including water filtration, fish habitat, and spawning capacity. (US$150,000)

Oregon

• The City of Milwaukie, Oregon, will conduct a study to facilitate the removal of Kellogg Dam, which provides the foundation for the Highway 99E Kellogg Creek Bridge. The dam removal would restore fish passage to nearly 15 miles (24 kilometres) of habitat. (US$585,000)
• The McKenzie River Trust will restore habitat along Finn Rock Reach, a side channel of Oregon's McKenzie River that provides important habitat for spring Chinook, rainbow trout, Pacific lamprey, and other native species. (US$1,699,000)
• Tillamook County, Oregon, will construct up to six new bridges at sites that currently have aged, failing, or undersized culverts. Replacing the culverts with bridges will improve fish passage while also increasing capacity to handle increased storm events. (US$2,500,000)

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