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.

What We Do

Our Projects and Initiatives

  • Conserve Aquatic Species
  • Conserve, Restore, and Enhance Aquatic Habitats
  • Manage Aquatic Invasive Species
  • Fulfill Tribal Trust and Subsistence Responsibilities
  • Enhance Recreational Uses of Aquatic Resources
  • Educate and Engage the Public and our Partners to Advance Conservation

Latest Stories and Topics

Stories
Service intern smiles while holding up a Bay Pipefish.
Our People
Story of Service: Maya Bass
Maya Bass shares her journey from being inspired through habitat restoration work to immersing herself in a diversity aquatic conservation science projects with the Washington Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. We are thankful for her contributions to our conservation mission and have no doubt...
Delayed Harvest Stocking
Our Partners
Continuing Traditions with Trout Unlimited
Delayed Harvest season started on the Toccoa River.
Man with a beard wearing a Marine veteran hat
Our People
Veteran protects Alaska's waters
What do military service and invasive species prevention have in common? For Marine Corps veteran Steve Wogtech, it's about a lifelong commitment to serving others. At Alaska's busiest border crossing near Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, Steve brings decades of public service experience to his...
waves back and blue
Science and Technology
Looking for Lipids
Lipids (e.g., fats) are critical to fish health.
Blue Ridge Elementary 2nd graders lining up for a tour.
Blue Ridge Elementary School tour
Three classes of 2nd graders from Blue Ridge Elementary School, arrived at the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery for a class field trip.
Crew working on fish
Wildlife Management
Fin Clipping at the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery
State of Georgia fishery crew members came over to the hatchery to fin clip a raceway of fish before stocking them in December.
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Our Library

Browse our library of data, conservation projects, and educational resources. 

LCFWCO - Fish Sampling
Assessment and Monitoring
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices specialize in providing fish population information. This data is critical for managing fisheries and assessing management strategies. Data is collected by tagging and recapturing fish, monitoring angler harvest, and even tracking the DNA they behind leave in...
Library Collection
18 Items
A boy holds a fish in his hands and smiles at the camera. A person next to him holds a fishing rod an bobber.
Recreational Fishing
Did you know that you can be a super-star conservationist just by going fishing? Whether you prefer fly-fishing on a wild and scenic river, noodling for catfish, or dropping a line in an urban waterway, here are some basics to get you started fishing responsibly!
Library Collection
4 Items
A person stands in front of a lake and holds a large goldfish up to the camera.
How to Break Up with Your Goldfish
Goldfish can seem like the ideal low maintenance pet. But if you are no longer able to care for your them, it can be difficult to know what to do with your fishy friend.
Story
Wildlife Management