Science Excellence

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Aristotle said, “Excellence … is not an act, but a habit.”  The Service's tradition is to habitually pursue ever higher standards in applying science to the conservation of fish, wildlife, plants and their habitat.  The Service will continue this tradition by:

• Expanding our capacities to acquire, apply, and communicate scientific information;
• Promoting active involvement of the Service and our employees in the larger scientific community;
• Encouraging strengthened partnerships between the Service and other scientific organizations, particularly the U.S. Geological Survey; and
• Growing the next generation of Service scientists.

In January 2008, the Service developed its first-ever Scientific Code of Professional Conduct, a set of guidelines applicable to scientists, managers, and executives within the agency.  It applies to scientific conduct, but also extends to the translation and application of science used to inform resource management decisions.  The Service code is modeled after codes from professional scientific organizations and has been praised by The Wildlife Society and American Fisheries Society – the two leading societies for fish and wildlife scientists:

The Service is developing two peer-reviewed journals: The Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management; and North American Fauna.  These new scientific journals will provide additional and accessible outlets for Service employees, their State and Tribal partners, and other resource professionals to publish their work.  Information on these new publications is available at www.fws.gov/science/publicationsys.html.

The Service is also leading the natural resource community in addressing the challenges associated with accelerating climate change.  Processes of climate change are significantly altering ecological processes and will be a driving force in shaping the distribution and abundance of animal and plant populations for decades.  Access to rapidly evolving science, and capacities to employ that science in resource management will help determine success or failure in the years ahead.

One important aspect of our response to changing climate is development of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Climate Change Strategic Plan and Action Plan.  In the fall of 2009, the Service will release its proposed plan for partner and public comment.  This effort will outline our long-term strategy and near-term actions in response to changing climate.

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