Coastal habitats such as wetlands and riparian areas are essential to over 75% of the total commercial landings and 80-90% of the recreational catch of fish and shellfish of the continential U.S. NOAA's performance in restoring coastal habitats is improving. Since 1994, cumulative acreage restored totaled 12,000 acres, 5,000 acres in FY 1997.
NOAA significantly increased protection of coastal resources from 1996 to 1997 by increasing the percentage of coastal states with federally approved Coastal Zone Management Program plans. As a result, a greater portion of the nation's coastal zone will have a mechanism in place to foster decisions that sustain coastal economies, are compatible with the natural environment and minimize risks from natural hazards.