The Midwest Fisheries Center is the region’s Fish Technology Center for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Fish Technology Centers provide leadership in science-based management of trust aquatic resources through applied research and the development of new concepts, strategies and techniques to solve problems in aquatic resource conservation. Established in 2013, the Midwest Fisheries Center’s mission is: “Working in partnership, we provide leadership in science, technology, and education for conservation of aquatic ecosystems emphasizing fisheries, aquatic invasive species, genetics, and aquatic animal health for the benefit of the public”. Within the Midwest Fisheries Center the La Crosse Fish Health Center, Whitney Genetics Lab, and the La Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office are housed to meet this mission.

What We Do

Our staff work together to monitor aquatic native and 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 populations, ensure the health of hatchery-reared fish, monitor health in wild fish populations and use leading edge genetics technology for early detection and monitoring of invasive carp.

Key initiatives include:

  • Management and control plan for bighead, black, grass and silver carp in the United States
  • National Fish Habitat Action Plan
  • National Fish Passage Partnership
  • National Aquatic Animal Health Plan
  • National Wild Fish Health Survey
  • Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

 

A person in a brown uniform walks in a stream lined with a cliff with a net in hand
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Our Organization

The Midwest Fisheries Center houses the La Crosse Fish Health Center, the La Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, the Whitney Genetics Laboratory, and administrative, GIS, and  outreach staff, as well as the Regional Watercraft Safety Coordinator.

Juvenile Northern Pike in aquarium at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery, South Dakota
The Fish and Aquatic Conservation program leads aquatic conservation efforts for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We are committed to tackling the nation’s highest priority aquatic conservation and recreational challenges to conserve, restore, and enhance fisheries for future generations.
Program
Falls Church,VA

Our Species

Staff at the Midwest Fisheries Center are involved in a number of applied research, fisheries management, and monitoring projects. These include aquatic animal pathogen diagnostics and health monitoring, invasive carp environmental DNA early detection and monitoring, native aquatic species genetics projects, GIS and telemetry projects, and management of native fish, mussels and invasive carp conducted in partnership with state natural resource agencies, tribes, universities and other federal partners including the U. S. Geological Survey and U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.

A pile of mussels.

The Higgins eye is a freshwater mussel of larger rivers where it is usually found in areas with deep water and moderate currents. Its range includes the upper Mississippi River, the St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin, the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin, and the lower Rock River...

FWS Focus
Species
Kingdom
Animalia
Taxonomic Rank
Species
A Silver carp jumping out of the water with boat wake below and a tree lined shoreline in the background

Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) are one of four nonnative fish species belonging to a group commonly referred to as “invasive carp”. Native to eastern Asia, silver carp were introduced to the United States during the 1970’s and 1980’s to private fish farms and wastewater...

FWS Focus
Species
Kingdom
Animalia
Taxonomic Rank
Species
Underwater photo of a bighead carp in a tank with white background

Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) are native to eastern Asia and are one of four nonnative fish referred to as “invasive carp”. These fish are large, deep bodied fish that have a large head and a large toothless mouth with a protruding lower jaw. The bighead carp eyes are far...

FWS Focus
Species
Kingdom
Animalia
Taxonomic Rank
Species

Visit Us

A sign next to a flag pole and brick building, trees, parking lot and flowering plants. The sign reads: "U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Whitney Genetics Laboratory, La Crosse Fish Health Center, and La Crosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, 555 Lester Avenue, and a logo with a fish, a mountain, water and a duck."/
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Our lobby features informational displays describing local aquatic wildlife, our scientific research, conservation efforts, a Mississippi River mural, and an aquarium of local native fish. The lobby is open to the public. Our laboratories and other work areas are not generally open for tours so we encourage visitors to email or call to pre-arrange a tour. 

Latest News

Woman in usfws uniform looks through microscope
Our Partners
Getting on the same page: aging invasive carp with partners
What do you do when a group of people are looking at the same thing but have a different opinion on what they’re looking at? You get to the heart of it and get on the same page. The inner ear of carp holds key information on how old they are but determining the age of a fish is tricky. Similar to a...
Kid kneeling in front of a tackle box with fishing lures inside
For Parents and Educators
Fun and FREE Fishing Events Near You!
Ready to get out and do something fun? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a ton of fishing and fishing related events that we’re so excited to share with you.  BUT it’s hard to list them all so we’re giving you a sample of just a few of our events from around the U.S.
Biologist using tweezers to find tapeworms in fish intestines
Science and Technology
Leading Experts in Parasitology Visit La Crosse (WI) Fish Health Center
Imagine having the opportunity to work alongside the leading experts in your field. La Crosse Fish Health Center biologists got that opportunity as as they looked for parasites in suckers alongside leading experts in parasitology.
Student holds seedball
For Parents and Educators
How Old Do You Have to Be to Help with Habitat Restoration?
Everyone should know that each day we have a choice. Will we harm the environment or help the environment? Kindergarteners, first, and second graders from Summit Environment Elementary school learned that we have that choice every day during a program the Midwest Fisheries Center did at the...
Pinicon Ridge Park Dam in Iowa
Habitat Restoration
78 More Miles of Connectivity Coming Soon to the Wapsipinicon River, Iowa
National Fish Passage funding in Iowa leads to 78 miles of river to be reconnected which will benefit the endangered Higgins' eye mussel.
Vials in vial holder in lab
Science and Technology
Unraveling Mysteries through Collaboration
Unknown origin of bacteria is being studied by the La Crosse Fish Health Center and Whitney Genetics Lab.
View All News

Our Library

A graphic showing a red stop sign with a boat on a ramp.
Clean, Drain, Dry
Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species starts with all of us. By working together we can protect our aquatic resources and recreational opportunities for future generations.
Story
Recreation
A pile of mussels.
Flexing the Mussels of Freshwater Rivers
Beneath the surface of the water, embedded in river bottoms, hidden in estuaries, and mistaken for rocks, lurk the invisible engineers of our aquatic ecosystems. Throughout our waterways, from urban rivers to the country streams, countless freshwater mussels are cleaning the water, taking out the...
Story
Wildlife Wonders
Zebra mussels on moss balls in front of Betta Buddies and Shrimp Buddies packaging
A Two for One Special
Looking for office décor? Do you have fish in need of somewhere to hide? How about a new fuzzy, low maintenance friend to welcome into your home? Some will say the soft and spongy freshwater moss ball can help you with any of these needs.
Story
Recreation
a big silver colored fish
Wild Fish Health Survey - Protecting Wild Fisheries
Just like in human populations, fish diseases can emerge and spread naturally, or they can be unintentionally spread from one population of fish to another. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s fish health centers have launched a new tool to help in the fight to protect wild fisheries.
Story
Wildlife Management

Get Involved

Children practice archery at the Youth Outdoor Fest in La Crosse
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The Midwest Fisheries Center offers environmental education activities for community groups and schools. In addition, the center can lend fishing poles to local community groups. Every July, the center co-sponsors Youth Outdoor Fest in La Crosse, Wisconsin in partnership with the La Crosse Parks, Recreation, and Forestry department.

 

Location and Contact Information