Intensifying stressors on our watersheds and coasts from aging infrastructure, increasing demand, land use change, extreme weather, and wildfire demand sustainable resources management. Natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands and living shorelines provide essential protections and services to communities – from clean and abundant water supply, aquifer recharge and flood control – as well as critical habitats for abundant species.
The Billion Oyster Project is restoring one billion live oysters to New York Harbor by 2035 by engaging the city's school children in marine restoration STEM programs and coordinating hundreds of restaurant in the recycling of oyster shells.
Commercial scallop fishing has been an integral part of Long Islanders’ identity for generations and has supported the local economy for decades. The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) is leading the effort to restore Long Island’s Peconic Bay scallop populations with new research and hatchery programs.
Audubon’s North Carolina Coastal Islands Sanctuary Program protects and restores nesting habitats for water-birds in 20+ locations along North Carolina coast, focusing on sites and habitats that shore birds require for nesting.
North Carolina Coastal Federation recently installed over a half mile of living shorelines at public and private sites coastwide, and through its 50 Million Oyster Initiative, has restored 40+ acres of oyster reef to date.
Mangroves protect coasts from storms and surges, sequester carbon and serving as nurseries for fish species. Wetlands International is implementing a nationwide communications campaign on coastal wetlands to highlight the benefits provided by wetlands flora and fauna and the threats that face the ecosystem.