FY2026 Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership Funding Cycle

The Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership (ACFHP) is requesting project applications to restore and conserve habitat necessary to support coastal, estuarine-dependent, and diadromous fish species along the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Federal funding available through the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) program will be used to support the top ranked proposals. To ensure available funding is being directed most effectively, projects should be geared toward meeting ACFHP’s conservation objectives described in its Conservation Strategic Plan

America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act was passed by Congress and signed by the President on October 30, 2020. The legislation made significant changes to project eligibility requirements for this funding opportunity; these changes can be found in the funding instructions. The ACE Act places an emphasis on restoration efforts that will improve recreational fishing opportunities and public use of resources. Improvements in public access as a component of projects are also encouraged.

For complete information and guidelines please review the funding instructions: FY26 ACFHP Project Funding Instructions

The following is required to apply:

  1. Online application form
  2. Photographs and Photograph Release Form

The following is suggested but not required:

  • Copies of any permit letters received to date from authorizing agencies
  • Letters of Support

Applications must be received by 5:00 pm Eastern time on Friday, January 31, 2025. Any supplemental documents for the application that cannot be uploaded in the online form should be emailed to the ACFHP Director, Simen Kaalstad, at skaalstad@asmfc.org.

To view the criteria that will be used to evaluate project applications, please click here: FY26 Project Evaluation Criteria

You can check out previously funded projects here: On the Ground Projects – Atlantic Coastal Fish Habitat Partnership