When woolly mammoths still roamed Earth, rain and snow fell on the south side of Alaska’s Brooks Range. Those same ancient waters are just now entering frozen rivers on Alaska’s North Slope via perennial springs. And they hold the key to survival for salmon-sized Dolly Varden and several other species of fish in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Read more about Alaska's North Slope Dolly Varden and what we know: 

Ancient Rivers Give Fish Life

New Insights into the Biology of Anadromous Dolly Varden in the Canning River, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Species

Programs

A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
Program
Washington,DC
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

Facilities

Mountains and rivers from aerial view
Northern Alaska Fish and Wildlife Field Office
Based in Fairbanks, and in collaboration with our Utqiaġvik (Barrow) Satellite Office, we work with others to deliver conservation over approximately 338-million acres of Alaska. Our responsibilities generally range from the Yukon River Delta region in southwest Alaska, eastward to the Canadian...
Conservation Office
Fairbanks,AK

Latest News

a man bringing in a fish in a net
Migratory Species
Dandy Dollies of Far-North Alaska
We sat down with fish biologist Randy Brown to talk about the Dolly Varden of Alaska's North Slope/Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
person's hands holding a bright red fish with hearts
Migratory Species
Fish Fasts 20 Months for Chance at Love
Some will eat, some will spawn, many will die. So long as the perennial springs in Arctic Refuge keep flowing and the sea keeps giving and taking, this cycle will continue as it has for thousands of years.