The mission of the Pacific Region Fisheries outreach program is to create and present high quality education and information for the public, to share the cultural significance of fish to the peoples of the west, and to promote natural resource conservation throughout all fishery programs in the Pacific Region.

The Pacific Region Fisheries Outreach Team is comprised of Information and Education Specialists throughout the Region. The leaders on this team are located at: Dworshak NFH Complex, Lower Columbia National Fish Hatcheries, Columbia River Fisheries Program Office and Leavenworth NFH Complex.

Expanding public use offers opportunities the Fisheries program to share conservation messages and encourage a greater understanding of the fragility of aquatic resources that surround us in our unique part of the world. Not only are we becoming tourist destination centers in many of our federal fisheries communities, but also leaders in our school districts and colleges with innovative interactive natural resource education programs.

People of all ages are excited and eager to learn about nature. Learning is not limited to children, classrooms and books. Teachers are finding that our fish biologists, fish culturists, and managers are unlocking the gates and opening their doors to learning about our aquatic resources. Our "Information and Education" programs are assisting educators in meeting their required state environmental education mandates. And teacher workshops led by our outreach specialists bring real science to an understandable level for all ages...and in a fun way!

Our style of fisheries education takes many forms. The "Kids in the Creek" program puts kids of all ages in waders to explore aquatic life in local streams. Established curricula, such as Project WET and WILD trains teachers in many Pacific Northwest school districts. Fisheries' volunteer programs include community service clubs leading salmon restoration efforts in local creeks on Service facility lands. Special events, such as the Wenatchee River Salmon Festival, National Fishing and Boating Week activities, fishing days for the physically and mentally disabled and Native American programs bring thousands of visitors to our hatcheries. Public activities at our National Fish Hatcheries range from salmon spawning demonstrations, annual Open House celebrations, and teacher workshops, to educational displays at county fairs and outdoor sporting shows. Please check out the calendar of events on our homepage for an activity in your backyard.