Fish Conservation and the National Fish
Habitat Action Plan
According to recent
studies, the nation has lost 20 percent of our fish and aquatic
populations and nearly 40 percent of the nation's native fish
populations are in rapid decline. In 2006 the Foundation joined federal
and state agencies and other conservation organizations to establish the
National Fish Habitat Action Plan (Plan). The Plan will coordinate efforts on a national level to reverse
the losses in fish and aquatic species and habitat across the
U.S.
In conjunction with the creation of the Plan, the Foundation launched
the More Fish Campaign to help restore abundant and healthy populations
of fish and aquatic species to our nation’s waters. The
Foundation's More Fish Campaign complements and supports the National
Fish Habitat Action Plan by investing in on-the-ground projects
demonstrating innovative approaches to fish habitat conservation.
The need for a
comprehensive campaign is acute. Fifty percent of the nation's waterways
are impaired and over 40 percent of the fish and aquatic species in
the U.S. are
in decline or threatened with extinction. The top contributing factor
for this decline is habitat degradation and loss.
The More Fish Campaign objectives include the following
priorities:
- Restore the nation's fish and other aquatic life to healthy and
thriving populations;
- Increase public awareness, access and stewardship;
- Protect, conserve and enhance the nation's rivers, lakes, estuaries,
bays and coastal waters;
- Work with conservation nonprofits, federal land and water management
agencies and state fish and game agencies to support the conservation of
fish and aquatic populations.
- Work with corporations, foundations,
individuals and others to raise additional financial resources to invest
in priority fisheries conservation projects.
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"We greatly appreciate the National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation's support for the National Fish Habitat Action Plan.
This effort will create a wonderful legacy for future
generations."
Dale Hall
Director U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service
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