We work with public and private partners to conserve and restore important habitat for fish and wildlife resources in the Gulf of Maine Watershed.
New guide to upgrading coastal road crossings!

The Maine Department of Marine Resources' Coastal Program, with help from Gulf of Maine Coastal Program staff, has produced “CoastWise Approach: Achieving Ecological Resilience and Climate-Ready Road Crossings in Tidal Environments,” a technical manual for municipal staff, engineers, private road owners and others. The guide is available for download and offers science-based best-practices for replacing tidal road culverts and bridges with safe, cost-effective, climate-resilient crossings that restore tidal habitats.   

Latest News

a stream flows through a patch of green grass between stands of forest
Service to open new Office and Visitor Center in Kennebunk, ME
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced construction work will begin Oct. 23, 2023 on a multipurpose center in Kennebunk Maine that will serve as a focal point for connecting people to nature in southern Coastal Maine and celebrating the life and work of Rachel Carson.
newly constructed bridge rests atop concrete blocks to cross the river
Habitat Restoration
Upgrading stream crossings for people and wildlife
In Maine, funds from an oil spill settlement support stream-crossing upgrades that benefit water quality, migratory fish habitat, and human safety.
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About Us

Mason Bay salt marsh, Jonesport, Maine
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The Gulf of Maine Coastal Program works to protect and restore habitats that sustain diverse and abundant populations of fish, wildlife, and plants throughout the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and coastal watersheds.

What We Do

 

Path and stream restoration along Sheepscot River, Coopers Mills, Maine
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We protect and restore habitat to sustain healthy populations of fish, wildlife and plants, recover protected species, and maintain resilient coastal ecosystems within the Gulf of Maine.  Our goals are to increase the amount of habitat conserved within the Gulf of Maine Ecosystem, broaden and strengthen partnerships, and improve information sharing and communication.   

We work proactively with partners on a variety of conservation and restoration projects, with particular emphasis on at risk species, aquatic connectivity, and coastal ecosystem resilience. We connect people to nature by working with local communities.

Our Organization

Gathering of Puffins on brown rock
The Coastal Program is one of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s most effective resources for restoring and protecting fish and wildlife habitat on public and privately-owned lands. We play an important role in promoting the Service’s mission and priorities, delivering landscape-scale...
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Falls Church,VA

Get Involved

Volunteers planting pollinator garden, Portland, ME
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Love the Gulf of Maine or want to learn or do more?  The Gulf of Maine Coastal Program has opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife, whether it be through volunteering, internships, or fellowships like the Service's Directorate Fellows Program.  In addition, staff are eager to connect with communities and organizations to learn more about your interests in the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and to talk about potential possibilities to conserve fish, wildlife, and plants within the Gulf of Maine.  Please see the "Contact Us" section to contact us with further questions. 

Location and Contact Information