Fish and Wildlife Service

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Fish and Wildlife Service

The United States Fish & Wildlife Service based in Washington, D.C., is charged with conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife , and their habitats for the benefit of the American people. As a division of the U.S. Department of the Interior , the Service's primary responsibilities are for the protection of migratory birds, endangered species , freshwater and anadromous (saltwater species that spawn in freshwater rivers and streams) fisheries, and certain marine mammals.

In addition to its Washington, D.C., headquarters, the Service maintains seven regional offices and a number of field units. Those include national wildlife refuges, national fish hatcheries, research laboratories, and a nationwide network of law enforcement agents.

The Service manages 530 refuges that provide habitats for migratory birds, endangered species, and other wildlife. It sets migratory bird hunting regulations, and leads an effort to protect and restore endangered and threatened animals and plants in the United States and other countries.

Service scientists assess the effects of contaminants on wildlife and habitats. Its geographers and cartographers work with other scientists to map wetlands and carry out programs to slow wetland loss, or preserve and enhance these habitats. Restoring fisheries that have been depleted by overfishing , pollution , or other habitat damage is a major program of the Service. Efforts are underway to help four important species: lake trout in the upper Great Lakes ; striped bass in both the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf Coast; Atlantic salmon in New England; and salmonid species of the Pacific Northwest.

Fish and Wildlife biologists working with scientists from other federal and state agencies, universities, and private organizations develop recovery plans for endangered and threatened species. Among its successes are the American alligator , no longer considered endangered in some areas, and a steadily increasing bald eagle population.

Internationally, the Service cooperates with 40 wildlife research and wildlife management programs, and provides technical assistance to many other countries. Its 200 special agents and inspectors help enforce wildlife laws and treaty obligations. They investigate cases ranging from individual migratory bird hunting violations to large-scale poaching and commercial trade in protected wildlife.

It its "Vision for the Future" statement, the Fish and Wildlife Service states its mission to "provide leadership to achieving a national net gain of fish and wildlife and the natural systems which support them." Into the twenty-first century, this vision statement calls for new conservation compacts with all citizens to increase the value of the United States wildlife holdings in number and biodiversity , and to provide increased opportunities for the public to use, associate with, learn about and enjoy America's wildlife wealth.

[Linda Rehkopf ]