Northern Alaska Fish and Wildlife Field Office

Based in Fairbanks, and in collaboration with our Utqiaġvik (Barrow) Satellite Office, we work with others to deliver conservation over approximately 338-million acres of Alaska. Our responsibilities generally range from the Yukon River Delta region in southwest Alaska, eastward to the Canadian border and northward. Our work also involves offshore federal waters in the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort seas.

About Us

Our staff work in an area that stretches across the northern part of Alaska. 

a map of alaska split into a northern and southern half
Image Details

What We Do

We specialize in ecology, biology, fisheries science and management, project evaluation and mitigation, statistics, environmental contaminants, and working with federally-qualified subsistence users. We work side-by-side with myriad partners to understand, protect and restore aquatic resources of northern Alaska, assist management of subsistence fish species and uphold the U.S.-Canada Yukon River Salmon Agreement, assess, minimize and mitigate the impacts of large-scale development projects, recover listed eider species, restore degraded habitats, and build positive relationships with others to conserve fish, wildlife and their habitats for the American people and future generations. Some of the services we provide within the communities we serve include technical assistance, funding, and conservation capacity and guidance. 

Our Organization

A rocky shoreline of a river. The water is calm. Mist and green branches line the river.
The Ecological Services Program works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, we work with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to...
Program
Baileys Crossroads,VA
Juvenile Northern Pike in aquarium at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery, South Dakota
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.
Program
Falls Church,VA
A person is walks through a large wide culvert that passes under a gravel road. A small river runs through the culvert.
Across the country, millions of barriers are fragmenting rivers, blocking fish migration, and putting communities at higher risk to flooding. Improving fish passage is one of the most effective ways to help conserve vulnerable species while building safer infrastructure for communities and...
Program
Partners for Fish and Wildlife: Nevada Coordinator Susan Abele Meets with Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Member to Conduct a Site Visit at Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation
The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land. Since 1987, we have helped more than 30,000 landowners to complete more than 50,...
Program
Falls Church,VA

Projects and Research

Latest News

A polar bear drawing overlaid on the state of Alaska.
Endangered Species Act
Swipe Right on Alaska's Species
When you’re threatened or endangered, love can be hard to come by. Meet Alaska's ESA-listed bachelors and bachelorettes!
Ground level view of hangar under construction.
Alaska's Busiest Seaplane Base
History of Lake Hood and the hanger that shaped USFWS aviation operations in the region.
Landscape photo of green mountains, a river bank, and blue sky with clouds
Our Partners
USFWS Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Alaska Native Relations Policy
Anchorage, Alaska—The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced it is seeking public comment on the agency’s first ever proposed Alaska Native Relations Policy. 
a fish breaking the surface of the water
Migratory Species
The Tug of Pacific Salmon
If you've ever felt the tug of a shimmery salmon at the end of your line or in your net, you probably know that the act of catching is just a small piece of something much bigger. A salmon is more than a red fillet under chrome skin.
man standing by a river in rain gear
Recreation
How To Cross A River
Alaska’s rivers are no joke. Beautiful, yes. Forgiving, no. If you’re planning to fish, hunt, or otherwise traverse Alaska’s lands and waters, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself on a riverbank. We have put together some information on how to safely cross Alaska's beautiful waterways.
a striped fly on orange flowers
Wildlife Wonders
Alaska’s Wanna-bees
There are nearly 900 species of flower flies in North America, with roughly 200 species in Alaska (they’re also known as syrphid or “hover” flies). Adult flower flies feed on pollen and nectar. As they move from plant to plant, they serve as unintentional pollinators — pollen grains hitch a ride on...
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Our Library

salmon and char swimming over bedrock
Alaska Fisheries Reports
Fisheries Data Series and Technical Data Series Reports from Alaska.
Library Collection
11 Items

Location and Contact Information