Habitat Conservation and Restoration

~ Create a backyard habitat with native plants. Not only will your yard be less maintenance, it will attract local wildlife. Don’t have a yard? Gather a group of people and create a habitat at your school or workplace.

~Build a bird or bat house to provide shelter for wildlife. Also, consider placing bird baths or feeders in your yard. This is a great activity for the whole family!

 ~ Try getting involved with the Master Gardener or Master Naturalist Programs in your area.

~Do you enjoy eating fish? Check to see if the seafood you eat is sustainable. Helping to increase populations of fish can go a long way! Become “seafood savvy.”  

~If you are a hunter or fisherman keep yourself updated on the current rules and regulations. Also, consider joining a conservation organization that supports your interest and works to keep wildlife around for future generations.

~Avoid cutting down too many dead trees. Dead trees make great homes for birds like woodpeckers and owls!

~Try building a rain garden and a barrel for collecting water. Find out how

~ If you own a boat, slow down when you're out in the water to avoid injuring submerged aquatic vegetation and ocean animals. Also, why not go kayaking, sailing or canoeing for a more eco-friendly option?

~ “Leave only your footprints behind.” When you’re spending time outside be sure not to litter and don’t remove any wildlife from the environment.

~ If you’re at the beach obey the signs that state “Stay Off the Dunes.” Dunes are buffers for storms and provide habitat for many plants and animals.  

~If you live on the coast, look into developing a “living shoreline.” Learn More

~ Don't let your pets roam free; they can do damage to wildlife. Keep dogs on a leash when going for a walk and consider a fence for your yard. Also, consider keeping your cat indoors.

~ Use less plastic. Buy a reusable water bottle and avoid products with excess packaging. Make educated purchases.

~ Volunteer with a local organization that protects oceans and waterways. If you feel unable to donate your time, consider a monetary donation.

From the Habitat Conservation & Restoration Team: Habitat conservation and restoration are critical needs within the Gulf of Mexico region, including the territories of the United States, Mexico, and Cuba.  Current levels of habitat restoration are not keeping pace with loss and degradation.  To effectively achieve conservation and restoration goals diverse issues of policy, socio-economics, science, public awareness, understanding, and will must be addressed.  Increased coordination and information exchange between Gulf States of the  United States and Mexico, federal and tribal governments, business and non-profit partners must occur and be sustained.  As a unified community residents of the Gulf of Mexico coastal zone must achieve higher levels of understanding of issues and commitment to the future.  The Gulf of Mexico community must speak as one voice to ensure the health, productivity, and sustainability of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.

Scientists and resource managers have recognized the need for regional ecosystem-based management that gives consideration to the quantity and quality of functional habitat, sustainability of living resources, and ecological services.  To accomplish ecosystem-based management, committed coordination and collaboration between agencies and across state boundaries must be implemented and sustained.  Forming this PIT began the process of improving this coordination for more effective implementation of habitat conservation and restoration projects across the entire Gulf of Mexico.