Fish and Aquatic Conservation
We work to conserve America's aquatic resources for present and future generations. (Photo: Larry Jernigan/USFWS)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most hatchery lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to:
- Check local hatchery conditions before visiting
- Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick
Learn more about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coronavirus Response.
We work with our partners and engage the public, using a science-based approach,
to conserve, restore
and enhance fish and other aquatic resources for the
continuing benefit of the American people.
Recent News
Taking Back our Waters
May 22, 2020
The Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) is on the front line of the battle to protect the Great Lakes from invasion by Asian carp, a non-native fish with great potential to harm any ecosystem it invades. The Columbia FWCO serves a pivotal role in implementing the national Control and Management Plan for Asian carps. Bringing the latest science and technology to bear on challenging fisheries management problems is an important part of what FWCOs do. The Columbia FWCO is developing new and innovative approaches to removing Asian carp from the major river systems connected to the Great Lakes. They have developed new tools, such as the “electrified dozer trawl” that is being used to combat infestations of Asian carp in rivers and streams, backwaters and impoundments throughout the Midwest. Situated along the Missouri River in central Missouri, the Columbia FWCO uses these new technologies to find and track Asian carp populations in the Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio and Great Lakes basins.
Learn more about the Columbia Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office
Keeping fish stocking on schedule
May 15, 2020
Americans are getting used to things being in short supply. When it comes to fish, however, no need to worry. Our dedicated employees have you covered.
Fishing is one of America’s favorite outdoor activities, ranking near the top in terms of the number of people who participate. One in 7 Americans takes to the water with a rod and a reel to fish, adding $150 billion to local and regional economies every year.
The natural portfolio
Spring-run Chinook salmon - essential to life history diversity
By John Heil/USFWS | May 8, 2020
In northern California, springtime is marked by wildflower blooms, bird migrations, swollen rivers, and the return of the first salmon of the year to the Klamath River – spring-run Chinook salmon.
This genetically-based life history strategy of Chinook salmon is not only critical to the genetic diversity of the species and the economy for fishing, but also provides a vital source of food and other cultural value for indigenous people of the Klamath Basin.