Fish and Wildlife Service is an agency of the United States government that helps conserve the nation’s birds, mammals, fish, and other wildlife. It operates more than 500 wildlife refuges. In addition, the agency runs many other field stations, including national fish hatcheries, habitat resources field offices, and research laboratories.
The service regulates the hunting of migratory birds and conducts programs to conserve fisheries. It also studies the effects of development projects on fish and wildlife and recommends ways to prevent or minimize harmful effects. The agency runs programs to restore endangered and threatened species and works to enforce the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It also cooperates with other organizations devoted to conserving wildlife.
The Fish and Wildlife Service allocates funds to the states and territories for fish and wildlife conservation. It also publishes scientific reports on wildlife. The agency was established in 1940 as part of the Department of the Interior.
See also Bird (Birdbanding); Endangered species (Protecting endangered species); National Wildlife Refuge System; Wildlife conservation.
