Established in 1987, the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office works to conserve and protect threatened and endangered fish, wildlife and plants across the central and southern California coast, collaborating with communities and conservation partners to build a future that supports both people and our unique and diverse natural resources.

About Us

Based in Ventura, California, our team works across the southern and central California coast in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties; portions of Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo counties; and the northern Channel Islands. The area is home to around 100 federally endangered and threatened species. We work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. 

What We Do

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides a critical safety net for America’s at-risk native fish, wildlife and plants. With species conservation as our ultimate goal, we work with a wide variety of partners to guide research, develop conservation actions, restore habitat and recover species.  We use the best available science in our decision making, foster relationships that result in tangible conservation outcomes, and develop a workforce of conservation leaders. Our office works on a variety of projects in partnership with federal and state agencies, Tribes, local governments and private landowners. Together, our work results in conservation gains that support the recovery of imperiled and at-risk species.

Our Organization

A rocky shoreline of a river. The water is calm. Mist and green branches line the river.
The Ecological Services Program works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, we work with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to...

Our Species

We monitor the status and support the recovery of around 100 rare fish, wildlife, and plants, from furry mammals like the Southern sea otter, soaring birds like the California condor, water-loving amphibians like the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander, graceful insects like the Smith's blue butterfly and colorful plants like the Nipomo mesa lupine. We work with landowners and leading scientists to gather the best available science on each species and their habitat, and we work with partners to implement on-the-ground conservation that supports their recovery. 

Our Library

Check out our Library for the latest editions of our Year in Review magazines and other helpful resources.

2023 VFWO Year in Review

Join us as we take a look back at some of our biggest highlights of this past year. Our Year in Review magazine contains a closer look at the milestones, achievements, and inspiring stories that shaped our year. We're so excited to see what 2024 has in store! Click here for the 508 accessible...

2023 Year in Review - 508 accessible

Join us as we take a look back at some of the highlights from this past year. Explore our Year in Review magazine for an inside look at the milestones, achievements, and inspiring stories that shaped our year. We're so excited to see what 2024 has in store!

Summer 2023 Stories from the Field

We invite you to read the latest edition of "Stories from the Field,” a summer newsletter from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office. Inside you will find stories about the native and rare wildlife of the southern and Central California coast, and the people...

Location and Contact Information