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
New Evidence Reveals Coastal Birds Need Both Stewardship and Restoration
May 14, 2025 — We can better protect birds on beaches by addressing human disturbance and habitat loss simultaneously.
Coastal Stewardship
Q&A with Erik Johnson on the Lasting Impact of the BP Oil Spill
April 24, 2025 — From disaster to recovery, how the Deepwater Horizon explosion has affected the Gulf Coast for the last 15 years.
DELTA Coastal Stewardship
An Osprey flies over a beachy landscape holding a fish in its claws.
A Living Shoreline in Pensacola Creates Jobs and Protects People and Wildlife
April 14, 2025 — This case study demonstrates the connections between our environment and economy, fifteen years after the BP oil spill.
Coasts and Oceans
Our Coasts Are Stronger Than Ever Thanks to a Big Win for This Little-known Law
December 05, 2024 — The BEACH Act expands a protected chain of undeveloped coastal areas by nearly 300,000 acres.
Louisiana’s Maurepas Swamp Gets a Much-needed Revival
December 03, 2024 — The state’s latest project will restore the swamp’s role as a haven for birds and a defense against flooding.
Chesapeake Ospreys are in Danger—They Need More Fish
October 09, 2024 — Better fisheries management is needed to improve the health of Ospreys in Chesapeake Bay.
The Challenges Our Oceans Face, And the Actions We Can Take
June 06, 2024 — Birds need healthy oceans to thrive. Here are some of the things we're thinking about for World Ocean's Day.
Two plovers sit in the sand on a beach next to washed up seaweed.
It’s Nesting Season: Don’t Forget to Share the Shore with Coastal Birds
April 04, 2024 — Birds like plovers and terns need our help to safely raise their chicks on beaches this summer.
Coastal Stewardship
Finding My Footing in the Seabird Community
March 13, 2024 — A newcomer dives into the world of Pacific seabird science to help Tufted Puffins.
Fifth-annual Seabird Fly-in Helps Advocates Find Their Voice in Washington
March 01, 2024 — Students from chapters across the U.S. traveled to DC to speak on behalf of birds. What they took back home will serve them for years to come.