The goal of this project is to implement the national fish habitat plan in the southeast united states in the sarp work area

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Department of the Interior, awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $125,000 to the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA) under the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) program (CFDA 15.686) for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028. This award supports implementation of the National Fish Habitat Plan in the Southeast United States, specifically within the Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (SARP) work area. Primary deliverables include supporting operations of the Southeast Aquatic Habitat Partnership; maintaining, updating, and expanding SARP's online barrier inventory and prioritization tool to identify fish passage obstacles such as dams and culverts; supporting aquatic connectivity teams throughout the region; and conducting on-the-ground conservation projects focused on aquatic habitat restoration.

SEAFWA will execute this agreement in collaboration with federal partners including USFWS, the USDA Forest Service, and NOAA Fisheries, as well as state fisheries agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private businesses. The cooperative structure leverages SEAFWA's established expertise in aquatic habitat conservation and regional coordination to facilitate information sharing and research that advances fish habitat protection across southeastern aquatic ecosystems. Performance will take place throughout the United States, with geographic focus on the southeastern region.

This project will facilitate fish habitat conservation efforts in the region by supporting operations of the southeast aquatic habitat partnership. This will be accomplished by supporting aquatic connectivity teams throughout the region, by maintaining, updating, and expanding sarp s online barrier inventory and prioritization tool, conducting on the ground conservation projects, and facilitating information sharing and research. This project will be done in partnership with the US fish and wildlife service, the USDA forest service, NOAA fisheries, state fisheries agencies, ngos, and businesses.