(Washington, DC) – The National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) proudly marks its 20th Anniversary in 2026, celebrating two decades of collaborative, science-driven efforts to conserve, protect, and restore the nation’s fish and aquatic habitats. Since its establishment in 2006, NFHP has brought together federal, state, and tribal agencies, conservation organizations, industry partners, and local communities to address the most pressing challenges facing aquatic ecosystems across the United States. Through this partnership-driven approach, NFHP has implemented impactful, on-the-ground projects that improve water quality, reconnect rivers and streams, and enhance habitats for fish and wildlife.
20 Years of Impact: Progress Through Partnerships
Over the past two decades, NFHP and its partners have delivered measurable conservation results nationwide:
• More than 1,500 conservation projects implemented across all 50 states
• Over $380 million in leveraged funding generated to support aquatic conservation
• More than 9,800 miles of rivers and streams reconnected, improving fish passage and ecosystem function
• Over 70,000 acres of habitat conserved, including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, riparian areas, uplands, estuaries, and wetlands
• More than 1,700 partner organizations engaged, spanning federal and state agencies, conservation organizations, and Tribal partners
These accomplishments reflect NFHP’s guiding principle—progress through partnerships—and demonstrate the power of coordinated, on-the-ground conservation.
NFHP supports a national network of 20 Fish Habitat Partnerships that work to conserve priority aquatic habitats from coast to coast. These partnerships leverage local expertise and resources to deliver efficient, science-based solutions to meet local and regional conservation needs.
The 20th anniversary marks not only a milestone but also a renewed commitment to the future. NFHP continues to advance innovative conservation strategies that address emerging challenges such as loss of habitat, water scarcity, and habitat fragmentation.
In addition to adding an “anniversary flare” to our logo, NFHP will celebrate this milestone throughout 2026 with events and outreach efforts that highlight success stories and partnership achievements.
To learn more about NFHP and its 20th Anniversary initiatives, visit fishhabitat.org.
About the National Fish Habitat Partnership
Since 2006, NFHP has supported over 1,700 projects and has put over $600 million in conservation projects on the ground, benefiting fish habitat throughout all 50 states. This effort works to conserve fish habitat nationwide, leveraging federal, state, tribal, and private funding resources to achieve the greatest effect on fish populations through priority conservation projects of 20 Fish Habitat Partnerships that are organized around key fish species, geographic areas, or important fish habitats. In 2020, NFHP was recognized by Congress as part of the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act and was reauthorized in 2024. NFHP guidance and policies are developed in conjunction with our partnerships and National Fish Habitat Board. For more information, visit: https://fishhabitat.org/.
