Essential fish habitat

Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) refers to waters and conditions that are vital for fish species to spawn, breed, feed, and grow. It includes habitats like seagrass beds, coral reefs, or coastal wetlands that support fish at different life stages. Protecting EFH helps ensure healthy fish populations, which are important for fisheries, ecosystems, and local economies. Managing and conserving these habitats reduces threats from pollution, development, and overfishing, allowing fish to complete their life cycles and sustain their populations over time.