Fifty years ago, facing the catastrophic loss of species across the country, the nation passed a landmark law which mobilized a generation of conservation. The Endangered Species Act was a collective commitment to protect and preserve biodiversity across the globe – for all creatures great and small. The ESA has led to the amazing recovery of iconic species like the bald eagle, whooping crane, and American Alligator. But equally as important have been the victories and advances that take place out of sight and just below the surface . . . literally. We’re talking about fish, salamanders, frogs, toads and all the critters that live in America’s freshwater streams, lakes, and rivers!
Fighting for Endangered Species – One Fish at a Time
Freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands are some of the most important places on the planet. But they are also in the most trouble. Freshwater ecosystems and the wild fish and animals that live in them have been harmed by habitat loss, crowded out by invasive species , and choked by pollution. In the United States alone, over fifty aquatic species have already been declared extinct and many others are critically endangered or threatened. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program is dedicated to ensuring that freshwater species and habitats are protected for future generations. They take a unique holistic approach that includes habitat restoration through the National Fish Passage Program, a nationwide monitoring network to detect aquatic invasive species, and the National Fish Hatchery System - the largest network of captive rearing facilities in the world dedicated to species conservation.
June 10th, 2023, marks the 151th anniversary of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Hatchery System! The National Fish Hatchery System was created to help address collapsing fisheries and boost production of food fish to feed families. Over the years, the system has evolved to meet the changing needs of conservation. Today national fish hatcheries raise 90 different species of threatened or endangered aquatic plants and animals to support recovery. And more than 20 million hatchery-raised threatened or endangered fish and wildlife are released every year into a natural setting to support wild populations.
Fighting for Endangered Species - Just Below the Surface | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Fighting for Endangered Species – One Fish at a Time
Freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands are some of the most important places on the planet. But they are also in the most trouble. Freshwater ecosystems and the wild fish and animals that live in them have been harmed by habitat loss, crowded out by invasive species , and choked by pollution. In the United States alone, over fifty aquatic species have already been declared extinct and many others are critically endangered or threatened. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program is dedicated to ensuring that freshwater species and habitats are protected for future generations. They take a unique holistic approach that includes habitat restoration through the National Fish Passage Program, a nationwide monitoring network to detect aquatic invasive species, and the National Fish Hatchery System - the largest network of captive rearing facilities in the world dedicated to species conservation.
June 10th, 2023, marks the 151th anniversary of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Hatchery System! The National Fish Hatchery System was created to help address collapsing fisheries and boost production of food fish to feed families. Over the years, the system has evolved to meet the changing needs of conservation. Today national fish hatcheries raise 90 different species of threatened or endangered aquatic plants and animals to support recovery. And more than 20 million hatchery-raised threatened or endangered fish and wildlife are released every year into a natural setting to support wild populations.
Fighting for Endangered Species - Just Below the Surface | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service