Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023

The Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023 authorizes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand its existing Coastal Program, focusing on protecting, restoring, and enhancing coastal ecosystems across coastal states and territories (including Alaska, Hawaii, Gulf Coast states, and territories like Puerto Rico). It provides $20-25 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2028 to fund voluntary projects on public or private lands, including habitat assessments, restoration, and protection efforts targeting Federal trust species like endangered animals and migratory birds. The bill requires the Service to provide technical assistance, build partner capacity, and submit annual reports tracking progress, funds used, and adaptive management practices. This legislation directly affects coastal ecosystems - such as wetlands, estuaries, and mangroves - and their wildlife by establishing a structured framework for collaborative conservation.