What is the US Fish and Wildlife Service?

American Agency Charged With Management of Many Wildlife Species

Mar 4, 2009

The Fish and Wildlife Service oversees hunting and fishing activities and wild animal and environmental management. This conflict of interest makes the FWS role difficult

At one time there was a move to create a Department of the Environment but since that agency was never created, two agencies have been charged with wildlife management.

Wildlife Management Divided Between Two Agencies

The Fish and Wildlife Service, in the Department of the Interior, manages wildlife on land and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), in the Department of Commerce manages those in the waters surrounding the US. There are three marine species that are managed by the FWS: sea otters (Enhydra lutris), polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and manatees (Trichechus manatus). All other marine mammals are managed by NMFS

Management of birds and mammals for hunting and freshwater fish for recreational fishing falls into the realm of the Fish and Wildlife Service, while commercial fisheries and marine sport fisheries are managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

The FWS handles hunting and fishing permits and sets seasons for these sports. But the agency also is charged with protecting wildlife in the United States and, at times these two roles conflict. Some conservation organizations suggest that the agency is more interested in the exploitative aspects of wildlife management than those of preservation of wild animals and their habitat.

Conservation Programs of the US Fish and Wildlife Service

One of the key aspects of the US FWS conservation programs is the management of National Wildlife Refuges. These refuges, scattered across the country, provide habitat for many species although they have generally been set up with endangered species in mind. The FWS manages 550 refuges and 37 wetland management districts.

People are often surprised that hunting and fishing is allowed on some refuges but controlled hunting and fishing can benefit the endangered species (who are not hunted) by decreasing competition for habitat and food. Species that are more robust or found beyond the refuge in healthy numbers are thus kept in control.

The Enforcement Role of the FWS

Illegal trade in endangered species, both live animals and parts, is a worldwide problem and the US Fish and Wildlife Service is one of the agencies which works to prevent this trade. But their efforts also include enforcing migratory game bird hunting laws and preventing illegal take of other game species.

The FWS is also charged with protecting wildlife from environmental hazards and solving wildlife crimes. They issue the necessary permits for those who have endangered species for captive breeding or rehabilitation projects and for those who maintain parts-feathers, bone, ivory, etc-from endangered species.

Understanding the dual purpose of the US Fish and Wildlife Service may help in comprehending the balancing act carried out by staff of this agency.

The copyright of the article What is the US Fish and Wildlife Service? in Wildlife Conservation is owned by Dawn M. Smith. Permission to republish What is the US Fish and Wildlife Service? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.