Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
With more than 560 National Wildlife Refuges, 70 national fish hatcheries, numerous regional and field offices across the country and thousands of active conservation projects, our 8,400+ employees of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have a lot going on.We are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the American people.We offer a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and our shared natural heritage. And through our work to conserve natural resources, we provide communities with healthier environments, clean water, flood control and a strong economy.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceMission
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceVision
We will continue to be a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.Our Statutory Authority and Functions
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, working with others, is responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people through Federal programs relating to migratory birds, endangered species, interjurisdictional fish and marine mammals, and inland sport fisheries.
- Acquires, protects and manages unique ecosystems necessary to sustain fish and wildlife such as migratory birds, resident species and endangered species.
- Operates a National Fish Hatchery System in support of the restoration of depleted interjurisdictional fish stocks, the recovery of federally listed threatened and endangered species, and the fulfillment of Federal mitigation responsibilities.
- Provides protection of fish and wildlife from dislocation or destruction of their habitats, overuse, and industrial, agricultural and domestic pollutants.
- Renders financial and professional technical assistance to States through Federal Aid programs for the enhancement and restoration of fish and wildlife resources.
- Conducts programs of enforcement, management and professional technical assistance to other agencies for the protection of endangered species.
- Promulgates and enforces regulations for the protection of migratory birds, marine mammals, fish and other nonendangered wildlife from illegal taking, transportation or sale within the United States or from foreign countries.
- Conducts programs of planning, evaluation, and professional technical assistance to other agencies for the proper use and protection of fish and wildlife habitat that directly benefit the living natural resource and add quality to human life.
- Conducts programs of interpretation, education and recreation to foster a stewardship ethic in the American public through high quality fish and wildlife oriented experiences.
- Communicates information essential for public awareness and understanding of the importance of fish and wildlife resources, and interprets fish and wildlife changes reflecting environmental degradation that ultimately will affect the welfare of human beings.
Laws, Agreements, and Treaties
As part of out mission, the USFWS is charged with enforcing Federal Wildlife Laws and Protecting Endangered Species. Learn more about the U.S. Conservation Laws, Acts, Treaties, Conventions and AgreementsU.S. Conservation laws, such as the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), help define the United States’ stance on conservation. Though these acts do not deal directly with other nations, like treaties, conventions, and agreements, they play an important role in many of International Affairs’ key programs such as our Multinational Species Conservation Funds.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceLaws
As of the start of 2023 there are 138 different Acts they must follow [ https://www.fws.gov/library/categories/laws ]History of Fish and Wildlife
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior and we are the world’s first and oldest conservation agency. Our origins date back to 1871 when Congress established the U.S. Fish Commission to study why the nation’s food fishes were decreasing and recommend ways to reverse that decline.Though the name of our agency has changed multiple times over the years, what endures is the collective dedication of Service employees to face the conservation challenges of their day—and now, our day—with ingenuity, integrity and hard work. Fortunately, our history shows that we’ve always been up to the challenge.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceWorld's First Wildlife Conservation Agency
From one challenge – to determine why fisheries were declining off our nation’s coasts and inland waters and how to fix it – our history begins. The origins of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began in 1871 with the creation of the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries. Since then, the name of our agency has changed multiple times, yet what endures is our dedication to facing conservation challenges through science-based management to restore and safeguard fish, wildlife, and their habitats.The National Conservation Training Center is dedicated to the interpretation and display of America's conservation heritage. NCTC is the "home" of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Museum/Archives maintaining a museum on campus with films, photos, documents, and artifacts chronicling the history of American wildlife conservation.
At many national wildlife refuges, you can also see evocative pieces of America’s past, including fossils, buildings, museum objects, and archaeological remains. That’s because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conserves cultural and historic resources found on its lands and waters, as mandated by Congress under the National Historic Preservation Act.
