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fish habitat provides the essential foundation for successful
fisheries management. The goal of the ASMFC Habitat Program is
to improve fisheries habitat conservation through policy development
and education. The Commission recognizes how important habitat
is to the success of its mission and vision. Habitat loss and
degradation have been identified as significant factors affecting
the long-term sustainability of the nation’s fisheries.
The Commission acknowledges that many forms of habitat conservation
are beyond the operational jurisdiction of the federal and state
fisheries agencies. The challenge for fisheries managers and the
Commission is maintaining vital fish habitat absent specific regulatory
authority for habitat conservation, restoration or protection.
This calls for creative approaches to the challenges of effectively
integrating habitat protection, restoration and enhancement into
fisheries management programs and plans. Considering habitat in
fishery management decisions is part of moving toward ecosystem-based
management.
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