Oklahoma Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office

The Oklahoma 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. 

Since 1992, the Oklahoma Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office has been working toward the restoration and conservation of aquatic species and habitats across Oklahoma. We conduct assessments for imperiled, declining, recreational and invasive aquatic species across Oklahoma.  

Our office works closely with partners to collect and monitor populations of invasive carp, paddlefish, Arkansas River shiner, peppered chub, leopard darter, alligator snapping turtles, and alligator gar.  

Projects the office is currently involved with include: sampling for larval, juvenile and adult invasive carp in the Red River, monitoring adult invasive carp movement in the Arkansas River, collecting and transporting paddlefish, Arkansas River shiner, and leopard darter breeding populations to hatcheries, conducting post stocking assessments of alligator snapping turtles, and monitoring various Oklahoman prairie and Ouachita streams by completing annual seine or snorkel surveys. We also aid various agencies by providing funding and technical assistance to complete fish passage fish passage
Fish passage is the ability of fish or other aquatic species to move freely throughout their life to find food, reproduce, and complete their natural migration cycles. Millions of barriers to fish passage across the country are fragmenting habitat and leading to species declines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program is working to reconnect watersheds to benefit both wildlife and people.

Learn more about fish passage projects that will improve passage for aquatic organisms across Oklahoma.