Two plovers sit in the sand on a beach next to washed up seaweed.

Coasts and Oceans

Latest news about ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡'s work on coasts and oceans.
Snowy Plovers. Photo: Katherine Pirozzi/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Photography Awards

Coastal birds are in crisis.

Threatened by climate change, development, overfishing, and pollution, seabird populations around the world have decreased by 70 percent since 1950. In North America alone, shorebird populations have decreased by 70 percent since 1973. Through our Coasts strategy, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ is working to reverse this crisis in multiple ways.

Areas of Focus

Coastal Resilience Coastal Stewardship Gulf Restoration Marine Conservation
A group of puffins, black and white seabirds with large orange beaks and feet, stand on a rock with the ocean behind them.
After a Climate Disaster Last Year, Maine’s Seabirds Get a Reprieve
October 05, 2022 — ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ researchers say seabirds across the state successfully raised chicks at double the rate of last year.
This World Oceans Day, Explore the Secrets of Seabirds
June 08, 2022 — Our video series dives into the lives of seabirds and the threats they face.
Our Best Defense Against Hurricanes Is to Modernize This Coastal Law
June 01, 2022 — Congress must expand on the success of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act to protect people and birds from climate change.
Crucial Coastal Bill Gains Momentum in Congress
May 11, 2022 — The SHORRE Act will make coastal communities and birds more resilient to climate change.
Several large American White Pelicans take flight on an island, while a large group of other waterbirds congregate on the beach in the background.
A Plan to Keep Texas's Rookeries Rooted in Place
March 16, 2022 — Without action, a century of bird conservation could wash away with these small islands on the Texas coast.
pipes lay across a partially constructed island of light-colored sand. the island is near shore, but surrounded by water.
One Good Turn Deserves Another
January 03, 2022 — A dredging operation provides material to restore Crab Bank, an important seabird sanctuary in Charleston Harbor.
An Atlantic Puffin stands on a granite rock, its black-and-white feathers drenched from the ocean, clutching fish of several different sizes in its bright orange bill.
Long-Awaited Fisheries Bills Advance as Rough Year for Seabirds Comes to a Close
November 18, 2021 — Seabirds need better fisheries policies to raise their chicks in the face of climate change.
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ California's Sarah Rose Joins State and Environmental Leaders to Call for End to Offshore Oil Drilling
October 12, 2021 — Briefing organized by Asm. Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Huntington Beach)
Black Skimmers Successfully Nest on Louisiana Mainland for First Time in a Decade
September 30, 2021 — These seabirds capitalized on a restored beach in southwest Louisiana this year after several hurricanes.
New Funding to Help Gulf Coast Beachgoers Share the Shore with Birds
September 17, 2021 — ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ leads a new collaborative effort to design more effective coastal stewardship and management plans for the Gulf of Mexico.