The 2021 updates to North Carolina’s Coastal Habitat Protection Plan (CHPP) have been drafted and are ready for public comment. 

The CHPP is the state’s long-term strategy to protect and improve fisheries through habitat protection and enhancement efforts. The plan must be approved by the three state boards with principal authority to manage those resources: the Environmental Management Commission, Coastal Resources Commission, and Marine Fisheries Commission.

The draft plan amendment focuses on priority areas including protection and restoration of submerged aquatic vegetation and wetlands, environmental rule compliance, and reducing water pollution through wastewater treatment infrastructure improvements.

Public comment closes October 21. If you want to participate, the North Carolina Coastal Habitat Coalition has an overview of the plan, recommended comments, and quick links to submit yours.