The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership: Making the connection from headwaters to coral reefs

The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) is one of 20 regional partnerships within the National Fish Habitat Partnership, uniting diverse stakeholders in conserving Atlantic diadromous, estuarine, and coastal fish habitats. Extending from the Florida Keys to Maine, the ACFHP engages fisheries managers, scientists, and conservation professionals to address habitat decline in one of the nation’s most ecologically diverse and densely populated regions. Guided by the National Fish Habitat Action Plan and the America’s Conservation Enhancement Act, the ACFHP prioritizes habitats such as submerged aquatic vegetation, shellfish beds, riverine bottom, tidal wetlands, and coral reefs. The ACFHP addresses threats like barriers to fish passage, eutrophication, coastal development, and invasive species by combining on-the-ground restoration, applied science, and community engagement. Since its inception, the ACFHP has leveraged millions of dollars in matching contributions to restore critical habitats and improve connectivity for Atlantic fish populations. Its collaborative model delivers measurable ecological outcomes while strengthening fisheries and coastal communities.