About Us

The New Mexico Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office was established in 1985 and works toward the restoration and conservation of aquatic species and habitats across New Mexico and portions of neighboring states. Our station is involved in Gila trout recovery, San Juan River native species recovery, Tribal partnerships with 22 federally recognized Tribes, Rio Grande silvery minnow and Pecos bluntnose shiner conservation, and public outreach. 

Our Mission

The New Mexico 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. Over 300 biologists from the Arctic Circle to the Florida Keys 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 ; protect imperiled species; evaluate native fish stocks and their habitats; and work with our partners to solve problems.  

Our field stations provide technical assistance to Tribes; conduct scientific studies into fishery problems; restore habitat through the National Fish Passage Program and the National Fish Habitat Action Plan; and collaborate with partners to conserve migratory fishes that cross multiple jurisdictions. 

Our work addresses each of the seven core goals of the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program:  

  1. conserve aquatic species;  
  2. conserve, restore, and enhance aquatic habitats;  
  3. manage aquatic invasive species;  
  4. fulfill Tribal trust and subsistence responsibilities;  
  5. promote recreational fish and other public uses of aquatic resources;  
  6. increase technical capabilities to fully meet our mission; and  
  7. educate and engage the public and our partners to advance our conservation mission.

Our History

The New Mexico Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Established in 1985, our office (then the New Mexico Fisheries Assistance Office) was originally co-located with the Southwestern Native Aquatic Resource and Recovery Center in Dexter, New Mexico. In 1994, the office was moved to Albuquerque where it was co-located with the New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office. In 2004, the office was moved to its current location at 3800 Commons Ave NE.