Don Young Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act of 2023 - Summer

Team Members: Radhika Ajayan, Abby Austin, Abby Jordan, Kate McCarthy, Greg Porter, Christina Van Dyke, Mikelison Womack, Simon Yacher, Yawen Zhang, Cristina Rocca, Christina Morano

Coastal ecosystems and fisheries across the United States face increasing threats from climate change, coastal erosion, habitat degradation, and overfishing, which undermine biodiversity, economic stability, and community resilience. The Don Young Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act provides federal funding to support ecosystem restoration, fisheries management, and coastal resilience projects. Analysis of coastal degradation trends identified rising sea levels, coastal development, and unsustainable fishing practices as major drivers of ecosystem decline. Research on restoration strategies demonstrated that nature-based solutions, including wetland restoration, oyster reef construction, and floodplain reconnection, can improve coastal protection while supporting ecosystem recovery and fisheries productivity.

Comparative analysis of restoration projects showed that nature-based approaches provide multiple benefits, including improved biodiversity, enhanced storm protection, and long-term economic value. However, implementation challenges include high upfront costs, coordination across multiple jurisdictions, and uncertainty in ecological outcomes. Establishing clear performance metrics, prioritizing high-risk areas, and strengthening coordination between federal, state, and local stakeholders improves program effectiveness. Findings indicate that targeted restoration investments can significantly enhance coastal resilience and fisheries sustainability while providing cost-effective climate adaptation benefits. By restoring natural coastal systems, the legislation supports both environmental protection and long-term economic stability in coastal communities.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.