The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act outlined these four primary purposes for the Selawik Refuge:

i. To conserve fish and wildlife populations and habitats in their natural diversity including, but not limited to, the Western Arctic Caribou Herd, waterfowl, shorebirds and other migratory birds, salmon, and sheefish;
ii. To fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States with respect to fish and wildlife and their habitats;
iii. To provide the opportunity for continued subsistence uses by local residents; and
iv. To ensure water quality and necessary water quantity within the refuge.