What We Do
Our Ecological Services Branch is responsible for recovery of three species listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act: Steller’s eiders, spectacled eiders, and polar bears. Additionally, the Eskimo curlew is listed as endangered, but there have been no confirmed sightings since the mid 1960's. Much of what we do involving conservation planning and environmental contaminants revolves around these species. Recovery activities include conducting field investigations, consulting with developers to minimize threats to wildlife and their habitats, and providing the public with information on the protection of endangered species.
Staff in our Fisheries and Habitat Branches gather critical information about the lives and habitats of Alaska's native fish on and off National Wildlife Refuge System lands. This information is used to ensure that a connected network of lands and waters in Alaska support diverse, self-sustaining populations of wild, native fish with all their natural variability in abundance, genetics, and life history strategies. We work alongside others to not only maintain healthy fish populations, but also provide subsistence harvest opportunities. We work together with landowners and partners to restore and conserve fish habitat, and detect/eradicate/control 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 .