Healthy fisheries and waters are the foundation of America鈥檚 outdoor traditions and give us the freedom to fish, boat, and enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation. The Fish and Aquatic Conservation programs work with states, tribes, and communities to provide a comprehensive approach to freshwater conservation: support healthy fish populations, restore their habitat, and protect against invasive species.
What We Do
Our Services
- In 2024 the National Fish Hatchery System distributed 223 million fish, mussels, amphibians, and other aquatic wildlife for conservation.
- In 2024 the National Fish Passage program removed or bypassed 97 barriers that prevented fish from moving freely, reopened access to 2,939 miles of stream habitat and restored 15,026 acres for fish and other wildlife.
- In 2023 and 2024, the Aquatic Invasive Species program invested $4.9 million into early detection and eradication of costly invasions of non-native species.
- In 2024 1.3 million people visited national fish hatcheries and conservation offices across the country to feed fish, take a tour, and enjoy their public lands.
What We Deliver
- Economic Prosperity: Our programs support $2.1鈥痓illion in economic output benefiting families in countless communities across the country. Every $1鈥痬illion invested through FAC projects generates over鈥$2.5鈥痬illion in local output and 17+ private鈥憇ector jobs鈥攁 proven multiplier that keeps paychecks and spending power in towns across America.
- Locally Led, Nationally Supported: States, tribes, and partners call us first. We bring national expertise, resources, and scientific tools to address locally identified conservation challenges. Our role is to support community, state and tribal efforts in their own waters.
- Return on Investment: Restoring or updating aquatic infrastructure, releasing healthy fish, and aquatic 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 management provide significant returns on investment, while maintaining America鈥檚 outdoor heritage. From clean water, to safer infrastructure, to healthy fish populations, our programs deliver real outcomes that matter.
Latest Stories and Topics
Stories
Land Management
Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery will provide parking access to the public boat launch on Icicle Creek during the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife sport fishing season. We anticipate the fishing season will start in Mid-May and we expect it to close by June 30, 2025. Following the end...
Wildlife Management
After more than 50 years of partnership, members of the Lake Champlain Fish and Wildlife Management Cooperative, including the bet365下载ios, are celebrating a wild, self-sustaining population of lake trout in Lake Champlain.
Fisheries crews across the Great Lakes basin are gearing up for another season of lake trout stocking. Over a two-month period, millions of lake trout carefully reared year-round in national fish hatcheries will finally make their way back to their home waters. A comeback for lake trout was half a...
Our Partners
Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program staff from the West Virginia Ecological Services Field Office and Appalachian Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office collaborated with partners to improve the condition and flood resilience of a trail system, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance rider鈥檚...
Our People
Join Sophia Wagner on her field season as an intern with the Mid-Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office in Leavenworth, Washington
Our People
Join Flora Kerner on a mule-packing, night snorkeling, bull trout survey in the Washington wilderness as an AmeriCorps and Student Conservation Association fish technician intern.
