October 15, 2010
Habitat Ecology Team member Mary Yoklavich led a group of NMFS scientists in development of the first nationally coordinated plan to focus on marine fisheries habitat science. There are ever-increasing demands being placed on marine habitats across many sectors of the U.S. economy, but the role of marine habitats in supporting fishery production and in providing other critical ecosystem services is poorly understood. Although habitat information is needed in almost every NMFS program, habitat science has received relatively little programmatic support compared to other disciplines. The recently published Habitat Assessment Improvement Plan (HAIP) outlines current gaps in NMFS habitat science, steps to improve habitat assessments, and the need for an integrated, fully supported, national habitat science program. The HAIP will help NMFS meet mandated responsibilities to sustain marine fisheries and associated habitats, and will contribute to President Obama's new ocean policy. NMFS and all of its partners will benefit from and contribute to the success of the HAIP.
Learn more:
Habitat Assessment Improvement Plan (PDF)
HAIP informational handout (PDF)
NMFS Office of Science and Technology: Habitat Science
Contact: SWFSC Fisheries Ecology Division, Habitat Ecology Team