Tuesday, October 10, 2017

HabitatNews October 2017

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NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation October 2017 Issue #25

Why Nature-based Infrastructure is Important

Salt marsh with small grass islands in Wells, Maine. Credit: Steve Callahan

With the recent hurricane devastation, we are thinking of the people impacted and their long recovery ahead. It is a reminder that natural areas and nature-based solutions are vital to protecting our coasts. According to a new study in Scientific Reports, conserving and restoring coastal reefs, wetlands, and mangroves can prevent flooding and save hundreds of millions of dollars in storm damage. Read more >

Improving Habitat Conservation in Guam's Habitat Focus Area

Watershed restoration efforts help slow erosion at Manell-Geus Habitat Focus Area in Guam. Credit: NOAA.

NOAA is partnering with The Nature Conservancy, Micronesia Program in Guam's Manell-Geus Habitat Focus Area to help improve community capacity and conserve coral reefs. This project will support training in watershed and reef restoration techniques, development of restoration materials, and coordination of community restoration projects. Learn more >

Successful National Estuaries Week!

Swinomish tribal members fish the Skagit River during a one-day spring chinook fishery. Credit: Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission

National Estuaries Week was celebrated by NOAA and many partners during September 16 - 23. Estuaries are places where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with salt water from the ocean. These transitional areas provide vital habitat for commercial and recreational fish species, shellfish, birds, wildlife — and people. The Fisher Slough Restoration Project in Puget Sound, WA is a great example of habitat work we do with farmers and tribes in support of a healthy estuary. Read more >

Oysters and the Rebounding Lafayette River

Event celebrating Lafayette River's oyster restoration efforts. Credit: Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program)

The Lafayette River -- in Norfolk, Virginia and part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed -- is rebounding from historic water quality problems. NOAA has been a key partner supporting oyster restoration efforts there including reef construction, mapping the river, and coordinating a restoration blueprint for the river. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, another project partner, recently announced grants to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Elizabeth River Project to complete the oyster restoration work. Learn more >

New Storymap about Atmospheric Rivers Features Russian River Habitat Focus Area

Coho salmon live in the Russian River. Credit: BLM

NOAA's Russian River Habitat Focus Area (HFA) is included in a new NOAA storymap about atmospheric rivers -- which are weather events that cause extreme rainfall. The storymap gives background about atmospheric rivers and showcases the success of this HFA partnership in helping to restore habitat for endangered Coho salmon and to benefit wine growers by reducing flooding and erosion to their properties. See storymap >

Animated Video Explains that the Coral Reef Economy

Animated video explains coral reef economy. Credit: NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program.

Coral reefs contribute more than $3.4 billion into the U.S. economy annually. A new animated video from the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program explains how healthy coral reef ecosystems do everything from supporting millions of jobs to protecting lives and coastal infrastructure. Despite all they do for us, our coral reef ecosystems are threatened. Watch video >

National Wetlands Awards Nominations Now Being Accepted

Restored wetland in Plymouth, MA. Credit: Living Observatory.

Administered by the Environmental Law Institute, and sponsored by NOAA Fisheries and other federal agencies, the National Wetlands Awards Program celebrates individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, innovation, or excellence in wetlands conservation. Nominations are now being accepted. Read more >