Economic Benefits
Habitat restoration projects often rely on construction and engineering services from the home state, province or town, so economic impacts stay "close to home"
Fisheries Recovery
Barrier removals on coastal streams are key to the recovery of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and other species that require access to freshwater and marine environments
Photo credit: Claire Enterline
Wildlife Benefits
Game species like these American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes) benefit from projects restoring coastal marshes and tidal flow
Economics and Safety
The undersized culvert on the road crossing over Thomas Bay periodically flooded, endangering the public’s well-being and requiring road repairs
Economics and Safety
Thomas Bay Marsh, during installation of a “Stream-Smart” road crossing
Economics and Safety
Thomas Bay Marsh, after installation of a “Stream-Smart” crossing that’s more resilient to both higher flows and tides
Indirect Wildlife Benefits
Restored tidal flow increases the amount of prey available for species of management concern like seabirds
Connectivity is Key
Projects that restore access to critical habitats like those for spawning alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) can rejuvenate populations extirpated centuries ago
Restoration in Action
Montsweag Brook, before removal of an aging and unwanted dam
Restoration in Action
Montsweag Brook, during dam removal
Restoration in Action
Montsweag Brook during the first growing season following dam removal
Restoring Natural Communities
Species like eelgrass (Zostera marina) are the focus of restoration efforts because they provide habitat for entire communities of dependent species
Science-Based Approaches
Monitoring to learn how systems respond to restoration action is a important feature of our projects
Returning the Tides
Removal of tidal restrictions restores marsh conditions that help entire communities of species like the Great Egret (Ardea alba) thrive
Restoration in Action
The Little River before removal of an unwanted dam that blocked over 20 miles of stream habitat
Restoration in Action
The Little River during dam removal
Restoration in Action
The Little River under free flowing conditions
Species Recovery
Waterbirds like Brant (Branta bernicla) are one of many species that can benefit from eelgrass restoration
Restored Economics and Traditions
Restored habitats benefit species supporting both commercial and recreational fisheries, like this winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)
Restoration in Action
Muscongus Brook, before two perched and undersized culverts were replaced to revive a local alewife run
Restoration in Action
Muscongus Brook, during construction of a bridge meant to restore stream processes and fish passage
Restoration in Action
Muscongus Brook, with a new road crossing that will allow the recovery of historical alewife and sea-run brook trout populations
GOMC’s Habitat Restoration Program
Since 2002, GOMC’s Habitat Restoration Program has contributed grant funding and technical assistance to 120 projects in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Our projects seek to reverse impacts to impaired coastal wetlands and streams so they can once again function as ecologically diverse and economically supportive natural systems. We use proven restoration methods that consistently lead to successful outcomes. The benefits of our projects extend not only to high value species and habitats, but they also provide local engineering and construction jobs and lead to conditions supportive of outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities.
Restoration in Action
About half of our projects support engineering necessary for construction projects or field studies to determine where restoration investments are best applied. The other half fund construction projects like stream barrier removals, fishways and other “on-the-ground” restoration activities including planting of riparian areas, eelgrass meadows, and shellfish beds.
Habitats restored or enhanced with GOMC contributions since 2002
Notes:
1 These figures underestimate GOMC’s restoration impacts because they don’t capture habitat gains that were facilitated by engineering studies or assessments we’ve funded.
2 Stream mile estimates are conservative because they assume that most road crossings upstream of project sites are barriers or partial barriers.
Restoration Leadership and Collaboration
In addition to supporting the planning and implementation of restoration projects, GOMC’s development of restoration tools, methods, outreach and regional strategies increases awareness of habitat needs and promotes the use of rigorous practices for practitioners. As a result, GOMC plays an important role as a consistent regional leader and a steadfast partner to both organizations new to the field of restoration and those with more experience.
Our Partners in Restoration
To successfully meet the demands of a regional grant and technical assistance program that manages up to 20 active projects simultaneously, GOMC partners with a team of Jurisdictional Representatives and Technical Leads from state and provincial agencies around the Gulf and also our colleagues from the NOAA Restoration Center. Given our community focus, we also work closely with local groups and municipalities, in addition to the agencies, organizations and individuals with an interest in site-specific projects. We’re particularly glad to acknowledge the organizations that directly provided funding and in-kind support for our Restoration Grants Program over the past several years:
- NOAA Restoration Center, National Marine Fisheries Service
- Royal Bank of Canada
- Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership – Massachusetts
- Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership – New Hampshire
- Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership – Maine
- Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership – National
- Coastal America Foundation
- Maine Community Foundation
- New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
- Jesse B. Cox Charitable Trust
- Maine Coastal Program, State Planning Office
- Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, Department of Fish and Game
- New Hampshire Coastal Program, New Hampshire Division of Environmental Services
- New Brunswick Department of Environment
- New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Aquaculture
Habitat Restoration Committee
For the full list of the Habitat Restoration Committee, click here. For a brief on the Habitat Restoration Program, click here.
