Description: Essential Fish Habitat - Areas Protected from FishingThis feature layer, utilizing data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), displays areas where fishing has been restricted or modified in order to minimize the adverse effects of fishing on Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). These fishing restrictions or modifications are required by Section 303(a)(7) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Per NOAA, "protecting and restoring Essential Fish Habitat has helped to maintain productive fisheries and rebuild depleted fish stocks in the United States. NOAA Fisheries has used EFH authorities to support the $200 billion U.S. fishing industry while protecting more than 800 million acres of habitat. Our economy and fishing industry benefit from sustainable fisheries supported by productive habitats that provide high-quality seafood."Data Disclaimer for Nationwide EFHA: This GIS data layer is a composite of regional designations for EFH areas protected from fishing. Currently it does not include GIS data for New England. Note: The inland extents were defined by medium to low resolution coastline data and may be subject to coastline artifacts.
Copyright Text: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)