Progress for the Middle Peninsula Habitat Focus Area

The Middle Peninsula of Virginia—including the York River, Piankatank River, and Mobjack Bay—faces some big challenges. It suffers from the highest rate of sea level rise just about anywhere on the East Coast, and its coastal communities are changing fast. As ocean levels are rising, marshes are deteriorating and flooding in the marshes is increasing. It’s affecting the local oyster industry and the communities that depend on local fisheries.

NOAA has selected the Middle Peninsula as a Habitat Focus Area. NOAA and partners will use restoration, science, and community engagement to tackle challenges. NOAA and partners, including the local tribes, are working on projects to restore and sustain habitat. Healthy habitat supports fish and other species—and in turn contributes to the economy. Watch this video to learn about efforts to restore oyster reefs and shorelines, protecting wetlands and the coastal communities that live there. Work is already showing results.