Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices
Fisheries and Habitat Conservation

There are almost 400 aquatic species in the United States that either have, or need, special protection in some or part of their natural or historic range. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices work at the intersection between fisheries science and management, developing and using the latest techniques to tackle the nation’s most challenging issues in fisheries science, management, and conservation.

Fact Sheet

Fisheries and Habitat Conservation logo

Fisheries Conservation

SCIENCE

FWCO biologists release an 80 inch long Alligator gar.
FWCO biologists release an 80 inch long Alligator gar.

Fisheries science is an integrative approach to understanding the biology, ecology, and economics of a fished species with the goal of sustainable management. Fisheries science is an integral component of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Program. We:

  • conduct stock assessments
  • monitor population levels and responses to environmental changes
  • map habitat usage
  • identify pathogens and diseases
  • evaluate population structure using genetics

MANAGEMENT

Shortnose Sturgeon Titled
FWCO biologists tags a female horseshoe crab on Bowers Beach, DE.

In managing our nation’s fisheries, FWCOs ensure that these vital resources are available for Americans now and in the generations to come.  FWCO biologists are proud to have played a critical role in the protection and recovery of many species, including Apache trout.  Added to the endangered species list in 1967, the Apache trout was down-listed to threatened and is currently on the verge of becoming the first Federally-threatened fish to be delisted as a result of recovery efforts.  In 2008, biologists from the Arizona Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office reintroduced Apache trout into two streams, augmented two additional populations, restored 9 miles of habitat, and mechanically removed non-native trout from four streams.  Self-sustaining populations now exist in 21 streams, comprising over 140 miles of historic habitat.

CONSERVATION

FWCOs apply scientific data to focus conservation activities on high-priority species and watersheds.  We are committed to protecting and maintaining stable populations and healthy habitats and restoring degraded systems and depleted populations.  Almost 400 aquatic species have ore need protection.  In our 65 field offices, we work with over a quarter of those species directly.  For example, lake sturgeon were once abundant and still remain an important component of the Great Lakes ecosystem.  In 2008, Green Bay NWFCO staff led the development of a comprehensive lake sturgeon rehabilitation plan for Lake Michigan to support and coordinate ongoing recovery efforts.

 

 

 

 

Last updated: July 29, 2009
July 29, 2009July 29, 2009