Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is tasked with the conservation, protection, enhancement, and management of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats.

- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is tasked with the conservation, protection, enhancement, and management of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. This includes the management of over 89 million acres of public land, mainly within the 570 National Wildlife Refuges spanning the United States. In addition to the National Wildlife Refuge System, the FWS operates numerous other programs including the National Fish Hatchery System to support fish stocking, the Federal Duck Stamp Program for migratory bird hunting, and the enforcement of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to protect endangered wildlife. With regard to the ESA, the FWS is responsible for the management of over 1,300 endangered species.

The FWS works to ensure that wildlife, and their habitats, are managed for the continuing benefit of the American people and future generations.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people

Important Legislation

Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

Fish and Wildlife Act of of 1956

Endangered Species Act of 1973

National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1997

Learn more from the Fish & Wildlife Service.