Nonfishing Impacts on Essential Fish Habitat

It is of paramount importance that NOAA Fisheries’ biologists review proposed projects under the EFH provisions to ensure that they provide appropriate EFH conservation recommendations. It is equally challenging during the consultation phase to consider all potential nonfishing impacts to EFH so that the appropriate mix of recommendations can be made. Because impacts that may adversely affect EFH can be direct, indirect, and cumulative, the biologist must consider and analyze these interrelated impacts. This reference document was prepared to assist NOAA Fisheries biologists in reviewing proposed projects and considering potential impacts that may adversely affect EFH, and to provide consistent and substantiated EFH conservation recommendations.