Habitat Special Reports

In-depth reports on specific topics or issues of particular importance to fisheries management and conservation.

Habitat Special Reports, Press Releases, Stock Assessments

ASMFC Releases New Habitat Management Series Report on Atlantic States Shell Recycling

Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) has released the latest installment in its Habitat Management Series, Atlantic States Shell Recycling. The report highlights the growing role of shell recycling programs in supporting oyster reef restoration, coastal resilience, and sustainable fisheries management along the US Atlantic coast. Oyster reefs are among the most valuable habitats in coastal ecosystems, improving water quality, stabilizing shorelines, and providing critical habitat for commercially and recreationally important species. However, the availability of suitable shell for restoration has become a limiting factor in many regions. Shell recycling programs address this need by collecting…

February 2026
Habitat Special Reports

Atlantic States Shell Recycling – February 2026

This issue of the Habitat Management Series (HMS) serves as a resource on shell recycling programs for states and practitioners along the Atlantic coast. It highlights shell recycling programs across member states and offers recommendations for best management practices, including permitting guidelines, lessons learned, strategies to minimize the risk of disease introduction, and a variety of useful links and contacts.

February 2026
Habitat Special Reports

Anthropogenic Noise Impacts on Atlantic Fish and Fisheries: Implications for Managers and Long-Term Productivity

Many types of human-generated noise impact coastal and marine fishes through disruption of physiological processes and interruption of auditory communication. In turn, fish health and behavior can be affected. These impacts might be short-term or long-term and can lead to changes in spawning aggregations, habitat use, reproductive success, and mortality. The purpose of this report is to summarize the importance of the impacts of anthropogenic noise to fishes managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

August 2024
Habitat Special Reports

Fish Habitat of Concern Designations for Fish and Shellfish Species

The Habitat Committee drafted text descriptions of FHOC for each Commission-managed species drawing on information from the current description of FHOC in the FMPs, species fact sheets, other ASMFC publications, and current literature.

January 2024
Habitat Special Reports

River Herring Habitat Conservation Plan

This habitat conservation plan highlights the needs, opportunities, and challenges to restore river herring habitat and the populations they support throughout their U.S. Atlantic coast range.

January 2023
Habitat Special Reports

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Policy: A Review of Past Accomplishments and Emerging Research and Management Issues

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Update to Habitat Management Series #15 – revised January 2022

January 2022
Habitat Special Reports

Update to the ASMFC Profiles of State Artificial Reef Programs and Projects

In 1988, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission published A Profile of Atlantic Artificial Reef Development, which featured profiles for each state’s artificial reef program (ARP, see appendix for list of abbreviations and acronyms). In the 30+ years since its release, many states have expanded their programs; deployed a variety of artificial reefs (ARs) using best management practices for construction, materials, and siting; and have monitored sites for use – both by fishers and divers, as well as by marine life. This publication is an update to the 1988 profiles, providing summary information on each state’s program, as well as…

July 2021
Habitat Special Reports

Aquaculture: Effects on Fish Habitat along the Atlantic Coast

October 2019
Habitat Special Reports

Update to Living Shorelines: Impacts of Erosion Control Strategies on Coastal Habitats — Case Studies and Resources

January 2019

Get Hooked on ASMFC News

Dive into the latest updates and catch all the important news by joining our newsletter mailing list. Stay in the loop with meeting agendas, fisheries management news, and more.