We work closely with other FAC offices in Alaska and across the Service to apply our expertise in bioinformatics, data management and sophisticated genetic analytical techniques to a wide variety of management issues in support of the FAC Program Mission, as well as Department of Interior and Administration priorities.

Modern DNA techniques and analyses allow us to provide non-invasive, accurate and precise information about species, populations, stocks and individuals not obtainable using other methods. As such, FAC managers and our partners depend on the genetic data we provide for maintaining sustainable populations of fish and other species, as well as meeting a variety of statutory and treaty obligations.

For example, our annual genetic analysis of Yukon River salmon to estimate stock composition of harvests in real time provides unique information that is used by Federal and State managers to conserve stocks and provide equitable sharing of the resource as mandated by the Pacific Salmon Treaty and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA).

In addition, our pioneering use of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques for early detection of invasive and injurious species is pursuant to the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act and the Fish and Wildlife Act. This highly collaborative work with invasive and injurious species helps mitigate the tremendous harm they can cause to our environment, economy and health, including the extinction of native species, the spread of disease and costly damage to infrastructure. 

Other applications of eDNA include a cost-effective, non-invasive, and comprehensive approach to ecosystem monitoring. These methods can enhance assessment of environmental impacts and help drilling and mining companies meet rehabilitation and sustainability goals in support of Administration priorities and the Alaska Executive Order: Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential. 

All told, our portfolio of projects is pursuant to an array of legal and statutory mandates, including:

• Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956
• Anadromous Fish Conservation Act
• Endangered Species Act of 1973
• Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
• National Environmental Policy Act
• Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980, Title VIII
• Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska
• Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
• Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act
• National Invasive Species Act of 1996
• Marine Mammal Protection Act
• Lacey Act
• Sikes Act
• Pacific Salmon Treaty and Yukon River Salmon Agreement
• Alaska Executive Order: Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential
• Open Government Act of 2018
• OMB Memo M-19-18 Federal Data Strategy
• Secretarial Order 3369 Promoting Open Science
• OMB Circular A-130 Managing Information as a Strategic Resource