Critical Habitat

The Virginia barrier island chain, which includes Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge, is one of only 17 sites in the United States classified as a "Wetland of International Importance." The refuge is the southernmost island in the chain, separated from Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge by approximately one-half mile of sea called Fisherman's Inlet.

Fisherman Island was established in 1969 to protect critical habitats for coastal species such as royal terns and brown pelicans. This 1850-acre island includes upland forests, brackish ponds, expansive salt marshes and miles of sandy beaches and grass-covered dunes. Herons, egrets, ibis, songbirds, osprey, and shorebirds all make their homes here while thousands of other species depend on the island as a resting and feeding stop along their migration route.