About Us

The Maine Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office is part of a network of field stations located throughout the nation that works to conserve fish and aquatic resources. Biologists from Alaska to the Florida Keys restore native species, protect imperiled species and their habitats, and monitor and control 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 . We evaluate native fish stocks and provide recommendations to states, tribes, and international partners for sustaining native fisheries, including migratory fisheries. And we work with partners to restore habitat through programs such as the National Fish Passage Program and the National Fish Habitat Program.

The Maine FWCO was created in 1987 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to provide technical assistance and coordination of fish restoration programs in Maine.

StreamSmart road cross training: educating future leaders of stream-road crossing design
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StreamSmart road cross training: educating future leaders of stream-road crossing design

Our Mission

Since 1871, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been applying science-based approaches to conservation challenges. We work with our partners and engage the public to conserve, restore, and enhance fish and other aquatic resources for the continuing benefit of the American people. Conservation is at the heart of what we do, and we recognize that we do this work for the American people–both the present generation who benefit today and future generations who will inherit our legacy of conserving America’s aquatic resources.

The Maine FWCO strives to restore fish habitat throughout our rivers in Maine, for freshwater and sea-run migratory fishes. We do this primarily through collaboration with local, State and Tribal partners.

Brook trout
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Brook trout

Other Facilities in this Complex

The Maine FWCO is co-located at the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery in East Orland, Maine.

We also belong to a broader complex of FWS facilities known as the Maine-New Hampshire Fish and Wildlife Complex. The complex is comprised of 7 offices, including three national fish hatcheries. Collectively, we conserve the unique fish and wildlife of Maine and New Hampshire such as wood ducks, eagles, plovers, songbirds, cougar, lynx, brook trout, salmon and alewife.

Brook trout fry waiting to be measured
Nashua National Fish Hatchery
The Nashua National Fish Hatchery is one of the oldest national fish hatcheries still operating today, established in 1898. Programs at the hatchery support Atlantic salmon, landlocked salmon, American shad and other aquatic species restoration efforts in many New England waterbodies.
National Fish Hatchery
Nashua,NH
Brook trout
Central New England Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office
The Central New England Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) was established to plan, conduct and evaluate fish and wildlife management activities and aquatic resource restoration initiatives in cooperation with state, federal and non-government organizations. 
Conservation Office
Nashua,NH
Thousands of vibrant orange Atlantic salmon eggs show small black eyes
Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery
Craig Brook NFH currently functions as a conservation hatchery for the last remaining natural populations of Atlantic salmon in the United States for seven river specific brood stocks.
National Fish Hatchery
East Orland,ME
Stocking Atlantic salmon smolts
Green Lake National Fish Hatchery
Green lake National Fish Hatchery works with partners for the conservation and recovery of Atlantic salmon in the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment. We culture Atlantic salmon in an effort to prevent its extinction and preserve the genetic diversity of the populations.
National Fish Hatchery
Ellsworth,ME
Piping plover on sandy beach
Maine Ecological Services Field Office
Welcome to the Maine Field Office Website. Our goal here is to provide you with information about what your U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Maine Ecological Services Office is doing for you and for the fish and wildlife in our area of responsibility, the State of Maine.
Conservation Office
East Orland,ME
New England tidal marsh on a sunny day along the coast
Gulf of Maine Coastal Program
Welcome to the main web page of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Gulf of Maine Coastal Program. We work with public and private partners to conserve and restore important habitat for fish and wildlife resources in the Gulf of Maine Watershed.
Conservation Office
Falmouth,ME