A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND
The original National Fish Habitat Action Plan was born in 2001 when an ad hoc group supported by the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council explored the notion of developing a partnership effort for fish on the scale of what was done for waterfowl in the 1980s through the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. The waterfowl plan has worked wonders during the past two decades to boost waterfowl populations by forming strong local and regional partnerships to protect key habitats. The National Fish Habitat Action Plan (under the National Fish Habitat Partnership), was re-codified in 2024 through The America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024 (PL 118-198).
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to protect, restore and enhance the nation’s fish and aquatic communities through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation and improve the quality of life for the American people.
OUR PLANS
- Supporting existing fish habitat partnerships and fostering new efforts
- Mobilizing and focusing national and local support for achieving fish habitat conservation goals
- Set national and regional fish habitat conservation goals
- Measure and communicate the status and needs of fish habitats
- Provide national leadership and coordination to conserve fish habitats
Our Goals
Protect and maintain intact and healthy aquatic systems
Prevent further degradation of fish habitats that have been adversely affected
Reverse declines in the quality and quantity of aquatic habitats to improve the overall health of fish and other aquatic organisms
Increase the quality and quantity of fish habitats that support a broad natural diversity of fish and other aquatic species
MEET THE STAFF & BOARD
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Ryan Roberts
National Fish Habitat Partnership Sr. Program Manager, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies
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Kate Sherman
Data Management and GIS Specialist, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
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Jason Olive
National Fish Habitat Partnership Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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Alex McOwen
National Fish Habitat Partnership Coordinator, NOAA Fisheries
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Daniel Wieferich
Science and Data Coordinator, U.S. Geological Survey
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Gary Whelan
National Fish Habitat Partnership Science and Data Coordinator
Board Meetings
Upcoming meetings of the National Fish Habitat Board
January 28 2026
NATIONAL FISH HABITAT BOARD MEETING
- Time 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Location Big Cedar Lodge - Ridgedale, MO
January 29 2026
NATIONAL FISH HABITAT BOARD MEETING
- Time 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Location Big Cedar Lodge - Ridgedale, MO
Documents
Various resources and documents can be found here