About Us
The Lower Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office is part of a network of field stations located throughout the nation that works to conserve fish and aquatic resources. Biologists from Alaska to the Florida Keys restore native species, protect imperiled species and their habitats, and monitor and control invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species . We evaluate native fish stocks and provide recommendations to states, tribes, and international partners for sustaining native fisheries, including migratory fisheries. We also work with partners to restore habitat through programs such as the National Fish Passage Program and the National Fish Habitat Program.
Our Mission
Our mission is conserving and restoring healthy populations of native fish and other aquatic species, and protecting the lakes, rivers, wetlands and estuaries where they live. Our work provides valuable recreational and economic benefits to the American people, and restores the checks and balances important to the overall function and health of our lakes and rivers.
Our History
The Lower Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office first opened in August 1991 in Amherst, NY. It was established by the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 to support and encourage the restoration, protection, maintenance, and enhancement of the fishery resources of the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act, reauthorized in 1998, guides the activities of the office and outlines goals for the Great Lakes basin. Working towards those goals, the office’s programs have been developed to emphasize commitment to partners and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mission and address emerging issues with aquatic invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species and such native species as lake sturgeon, lake trout, cisco, brook trout and American eel.
In October 2012, we collocated with the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Basom, New York between the cities of Buffalo and Rochester.
