A
Message from the Director
he U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service has a proud record of more
than 130 years in fisheries and aquatic resource conservation.
As Director, I am keenly aware of the need for a renewed
commitment from the Service in conserving these valuable
resources. Despite our proud heritage, we have become
increasingly convinced of the need for greater support
and resources if we are to be successful in meeting
the challenges of our critical role in fisheries and
aquatic resource management and conservation.
The Service is currently undertaking the task of describing
the future role of its Fisheries Program in conserving
this Nation’s aquatic resources. I realize that the
Service has undertaken planning exercises in the past.
What is fundamentally different about this current effort
is the development of a collaborative strategy with
the Sportfishing and Boating Partnership Council and
its Fisheries Steering Committee. This Steering Committee
represents perspectives from a wide range of fisheries
and aquatic conservation interests. This is an effective
and powerful partnership that has worked well over a
number of years, and I look forward to building on it
as the Service strengthens and revitalizes its Fisheries
Program.
The pride and passion of our Fisheries Program employees
are clearly evident. They have carried us to where we
are, in spite of difficult times. The Service has much
to be proud of in our leadership in fisheries and aquatic
resource conservation. Resolving real and perceived
issues and revitalizing the Fisheries Program are among
my highest priorities.
/ Signed /
Steven A. Williams
U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service
Department of the Interior
Fisheries
Program
Vision for the Future
December
2002
Executive
Summary
The Fisheries Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) has played a vital role in conserving
and managing fish and other aquatic resources since
1871. Today, the Fisheries Program is a critical partner
with States, Tribes, other governments, other Service
programs, private organizations, public institutions,
and interested citizens in a larger effort to conserve
these important resources. The Nation’s fish and other
aquatic resources are among the richest and most diverse
in the world. These resources have helped support the
Nation’s growth by providing enormous ecological, social
and economic benefits. Despite efforts by the Service
and others to conserve aquatic resources, a growing
number are declining at alarming rates. Loss of habitat
and invasive species are the two most significant threats
to the diversity of aquatic systems. One-third of the
Nation’s freshwater fish species are threatened or endangered,
72 percent of freshwater mussels are imperiled, and
the number of threatened and endangered species has
tripled in the last 20 years. Clearly, there is increasing
urgency to identify and implement actions that will
reverse these alarming trends before it is too late.
In order to better conserve and manage fish and other
aquatic resources in the face of increasing threats,
the Service worked with partners to refocus its Fisheries
Program and develop a vision. The vision of the Service
and its Fisheries Program is working with partners to
restore and maintain fish and other aquatic resources
at self-sustaining levels and to support Federal mitigation
programs for the benefit of the American public. To
achieve this vision, the Fisheries Program will work
with its partners to:
-
Protect the health of aquatic habitats.
-
Restore fish and other aquatic resources.
-
Provide opportunities to enjoy the benefits
of healthy aquatic resources.
In July, 2001, the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership
Council (SFBPC) was charged by the Service to convene
a steering committee representing perspectives from
a broad array of stakeholders in fish and aquatic resource
conservation to work with the Fisheries Program during
the development of a new blueprint for the future. This
provided partners with a unique opportunity to be engaged
before the strategic vision was drafted. It was also
unique because the Fisheries Steering Committee included
representatives from the Service, along with partners
and stakeholders.
In January, 2002, the SFBPC Fisheries Steering Committee
provided the Service with a set of consensus recommendations
on the Fisheries Program’s role in the partnership effort
to conserve the Nation’s fish and other aquatic resources.
This report, entitled “A Partnership Agenda for Fisheries
Conservation,” along with the earlier SFBPC hatchery
report, “Saving a System in Peril,” were keystone elements
in developing the Fisheries Program’s strategic vision.
Using these two reports and working collaboratively
with partners, the Service has better defined its role
in conserving and managing aquatic resources across
the country. This strategic vision discusses where the
Fisheries Program is today, where it needs to go in
the future, and why it is important to get there. To
move forward and be successful in this role, the Fisheries
Program must be solidly supported, backed by sound science,
and grounded in dynamic partnerships.
The Fisheries Program consists of almost 800 employees
nationwide, located in 64 Fishery Resource Offices,
including a Conservation Genetics Laboratory, 69 National
Fish Hatcheries, 9 Fish Health Centers, 7 Fish Technology
Centers and a Historic National Fish Hatchery. Together,
these employees and facilities provide a network that
is unique among Federal agencies, State and Tribal governments,
and private organizations in its broad on-the-ground
geographic coverage, its array of technical and managerial
capabilities, and its ability to work across political
boundaries and take a national perspective. It also
brings to the aquatic conservation table the only Federal
hatchery system, with extensive experience culturing
more than one hundred different aquatic species.
The Fisheries Program and its partners
recognize that they need to continue working together
to identify actions that need to be initiated or expanded
to achieve shared management goals, and then to address
these needs or “gaps.” The Fisheries Program and its
partners also recognize that responsibilities for managing
and conserving fish and other aquatic resources are
shared, and success is usually contingent on partnerships
that cut across jurisdictions and link all stakeholders
and partners. Resource objectives and Federal, State
and Tribal roles have also shifted over time. Where
once the Service focused primarily on restoring and
managing game species, its conservation mission has
expanded, and today includes non-game and endangered
species. Just as important, the Service and its partners
know that the opportunities, challenges, and needs facing
aquatic resources exceed budgetary resources, as well
as Federal authorities and responsibilities. Consequently,
the Fisheries Program will use five criteria in deciding
what activities, opportunities, and issues to address
for each of the seven priority areas set out in this
strategic vision. Current and potential actions will
be evaluated against the following criteria, and partners
will be consulted as key decisions are made that affect
the direction of the Fisheries Program. The Service
will weigh potential actions by:
-
The strength of Federal authority and responsibility;
-
The extent to which our efforts will complement
others in the fisheries and aquatic resource conservation
community;
-
The likelihood that our efforts will produce measurable
resource results;
-
The likelihood that our efforts will produce significant
economic or social benefits; and
-
The extent of partner support.
The Service will also ensure that actions taken by
the Fisheries Program will be consistent with strategic
plans being developed by the Department of the Interior
and the Service as a whole, and that Fisheries Program
actions will help achieve performance targets laid out
in those plans. The Fisheries Program’s strategic planning
effort is proceeding parallel to the strategic planning
efforts being conducted by the Department and the Service.
These planning efforts have been closely coordinated
to ensure agreement and consistency among the three
levels of management.
The Service is re-committing to its role as a partner
in conserving America’s fish and other aquatic resources.
In some cases, the Fisheries Program will lead; in others,
it will facilitate or follow. In all cases, the Fisheries
Program will focus its efforts and activities on what
it is best positioned to contribute based on its unique
resources and capabilities, recognizing that sound science
and solid partnerships will continue to be the key to
aquatic resource stewardship. Working with its partners,
the Fisheries Program has identified seven areas of
emphasis with associated goals, objectives, and actions
to focus on in the future. In some cases, these actions
reflect a reaffirmation of current activities; in other
cases, they reflect some change in those activities.
In a few cases, the actions reflect a new activity for
the Fisheries Program. Many of its current activities
support these goals and objectives, and there will be
some opportunities to refocus and change within existing
resources. However, the scope and speed with which this
blueprint for the future becomes reality will depend
on the level of support and resources that are available
to the Fisheries Program. The seven focus areas that
the Fisheries Program will take actions to emphasize
are:
-
Partnerships and Accountability;
-
Aquatic Species Conservation and Management;
-
Public Use;
-
Cooperation with Native Americans;
-
Leadership in Science and Technology;
-
Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management; and
-
Workforce Management.
Introduction
Since 1871, the Fisheries Program of the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (Service) has played a vital role
in conserving and managing this Nation’s aquatic resources.
Over the years, the Service has been a leader in almost
every aspect of fisheries management, fish health and
fish culture. Today, the Fisheries Program is a critical
partner with other Service programs, States, Tribes,
other governments, private organizations, public institutions,
and interested citizens in a larger effort to conserve
fish and other aquatic resources. The Service asked
a broad array of these partners to help identify the
most critical needs for aquatic resources and to reach
consensus on the most appropriate role for the Fisheries
Program. The new vision for the Fisheries Program was
developed with their help.
Vision
The vision of the Service and its Fisheries Program
is working with partners to restore and maintain fish
and other aquatic resources at self-sustaining levels
and to support Federal mitigation programs for the benefit
of the American public.
Implementing this vision will help the Fisheries Program
do more for aquatic resources and the people who value
and depend on them through enhanced partnerships, scientific
integrity, and a balanced approach to conservation.
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Status of the Nation’s Fish And Other
Aquatic Resources
The Nation’s fish and other aquatic resources are among
the richest and most diverse in the world. These resources,
and the recreational, commercial, and subsistence opportunities
they provide, have helped support the Nation’s growth
by providing enormous ecological, social and economic
benefits. Preliminary surveys conducted by the Service
show that recreational fishing contributed more than
$35 billion annually to the American economy in 2001
alone. An economic analysis conducted independently
by the American Sportfishing Association in 1996 showed
that recreational fishing’s overall economic impact
to the economy was $108.4 billion, including 1.2 million
jobs and $28.3 billion in personal income (ASA 1996).
Fish and aquatic resources are particularly important
to our Nation*s Native American communities which rely
upon healthy, sustainable natural resources to meet
subsistence, economic, ceremonial, religious, and medicinal
needs.
Despite efforts by the Service and others to conserve
fish and other aquatic resources, a growing number are
declining at alarming rates. Almost 400 aquatic species
either have, or need, special protection in some part
of their natural or historic range (Williams et al.
1989; Moyle and Leidy 1992). The number of species listed
as threatened or endangered under the Endangered
Species Act in 2002 has increased to 19 amphibian
species, 21 crustacean species, 70 mussel species, and
115 fish species. Several threatened and endangered
species of fish are important recreational, subsistence,
and commercially species, including several species
or populations of salmon, sturgeon, and trout. Of the
297 species of freshwater mussels in the U.S., 213 (72
percent) are threatened, endangered, or of special concern
(Williams et al. 1993). None of these aquatic species
or populations have ever been removed from the Endangered
Species Act list, although a few are close to being
de-listed or down-listed from endangered to threatened.
The reasons for these declines are linked largely to
habitat loss or alteration (including flow changes,
watershed modifications, sedimentation and pollution)
and the impacts of harmful exotic or transplanted species.
Healthy stream and riparian habitats are critical to
the sustainability of all aquatic resources. Approximately
53 percent of the Nation’s 221 million acres of wetlands
have disappeared (Dahl 1990). Today, 185 species of
fish and 88 species of mollusks are found in the U.S.
that have been introduced from every continent except
Antarctica (Fuller et al. 1999; OTA 1993). While some
of these species create significant economic benefits,
others, such as zebra mussels, Asian clams, and Asian
carps cause significant harm to native fish and other
aquatic resources. Native fish and other aquatic resources
are especially threatened by these invaders because
of their rapid spread through connected waterways. Since
the unintentional introduction of zebra mussels into
the Great Lakes, the number of native mussel species
in the east channel of the Mississippi River near Prairie
du Chien, Wisconsin, decreased from more than 30 to
only 7 species during a 4-year period (Miller and Payne
2001). Clearly, the Nation is at risk of losing its
diverse aquatic resources and the critically important
benefits they provide.
Biological and social scientists, government agencies,
conservation groups, and the American public are becoming
increasingly concerned about the decline of fish and
other aquatic resources and the economic impact of those
declines. They point with increasing urgency to actions
that must be taken to reverse these alarming trends.
Management and conservation actions for virtually all
fish and other aquatic resources are a shared responsibility.
Success in reversing the trend will rely on continuing
partnerships and forging new partnerships that cut across
jurisdictions and link stakeholders and partners.
Over time, resource objectives and Federal, State
and Tribal roles have shifted. Where the Service once
focused primarily on restoring and managing game species,
the conservation mission has changed and today, includes
non-game and endangered species. These new realities
led the Service to re-examine its Fisheries Program’s
existing obligations and to explore the appropriate
balance between State, Tribal and Federal responsibilities.
Working collaboratively with its partners, the Service
has better defined its role in conserving and managing
aquatic resources across the country. To move forward,
the Service and its Fisheries Program must be solidly
supported, backed by sound science, and grounded in
dynamic partnerships.
--BACK
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How This Effort Is Different
In July, 2001, the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership
Council (SFBPC) was charged by the Service to convene
a steering committee representing perspectives from
a broad array of stakeholders in fish and aquatic resource
conservation to work with the Fisheries Program during
the development of a new blueprint for the future. This
provided partners with a unique opportunity to be engaged
before the strategic vision was drafted. It was also
unique because the Fisheries Steering Committee included
representatives from the Service, along with partners
and stakeholders.
In January, 2002, the SFBPC Fisheries Steering Committee
provided the Service with a set of consensus recommendations
on the Fisheries Program’s role in the partnership effort
to conserve the Nation’s fish and other aquatic resources.
This report, entitled “A Partnership Agenda for Fisheries
Conservation,” along with the earlier SFBPC hatchery
report, “Saving a System in Peril,” were keystone elements
in developing the Fisheries Program’s strategic vision.
The Service also used GAO reports, ongoing interactions
with the SFBPC Fisheries Steering Committee, Service
employees, and the Service work group efforts to address
the 24 hatchery-related directives from the Department
of the Interior and the Office of Management and Budget
to better defined its role in conserving and managing
aquatic resources across the country.
The Service is re-committing to its role as a partner
in conserving America’s fish and other aquatic resources.
In some cases the Service will lead; in others, it will
facilitate or follow. In all cases, the Service will
focus its efforts and activities on what it is best
positioned to contribute based on its unique resources
and capabilities, recognizing that sound science and
solid partnerships will continue to be the key to aquatic
resource stewardship. The Service will work closely
with its partners on an ongoing basis to refine and
adapt its Fisheries Program activities within this framework
to effectively respond to priority needs and issues.
--BACK
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Service’s Fisheries Program
The Service’s Fisheries Program consists of almost
800 employees nationwide, located in 64 Fishery Resources
Offices, including a Conservation Genetics Laboratory,
69 National Fish Hatcheries, 9 Fish Health Centers,
7 Fish Technology Centers and a Historic National Fish
Hatchery. Together, these employees and these facilities
provide a network that is unique among Federal agencies,
State and Tribal governments, and private organizations
in its broad on-the-ground geographic coverage, its
array of technical and managerial capabilities, and
its ability to work across political boundaries and
take a National perspective.
This network stands out, but it does not stand alone.
Its main strength is its ability to work collaboratively
with partners on almost any issue, problem or opportunity
to conserve or restore the Nation*s fish and other aquatic
resources. Another strength is its ability to bring
unique capabilities that individual States and Tribes
often lack because of their narrower authorities and
jurisdictions. For example, the Fisheries Program*s
National Fish Hatchery System, the only Federal fish
hatchery system that exists, has extensive experience
culturing more than one hundred aquatic species, including
fish, mussels, plants, amphibians and invertebrates.
By sharing capabilities at National Fish Hatcheries,
Fish Technology Centers, and Fish Health Centers, Service
fisheries biologists can lead or participate in cooperative
programs related to fish health, nutrition, and water
use technology. Similarly, field biologists in Fishery
Resources Offices serve a vital role in restoring, managing,
and conserving the health of nationally significant
fish and other aquatic resources and the habitats they
depend on. Biologists develop scientifically sound data
and information to improve the health of populations
and their habitats, diagnose problems, prescribe solutions,
and coordinate diverse efforts. The broad geographic
responsibilities of these biologists often enable them
to reach across State and Tribal boundaries, as well
as agency jurisdictions, to craft coalitions, partnerships
and solutions.
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Our Commitment
The vision of the Service and its Fisheries Program
is working with partners to restore and maintain fish
and other aquatic resources at self-sustaining levels
and support Federal mitigation programs for the benefit
of the American public. To achieve that dream, the Fisheries
Program is committed to working with our partners to:
-
Protect the health of aquatic habitats.
-
Restore fish and other aquatic resources.
-
Provide opportunities to enjoy the many
benefits of healthy aquatic resources.
Making Decisions and Setting Priorities
The crisis facing the Nation’s fish and aquatic resources
demands the attention of Federal, State, and Tribal
resource management agencies, conservation and environmental
organizations, and the American public. The Fisheries
Program embraces a balanced approach toward aquatic
resource stewardship that recognizes the need to conserve
and manage self-sustaining populations and their habitats,
and at the same time, provide quality opportunities
for responsible fishing and other related outdoor activities.
Opportunities, challenges, and needs facing aquatic
resources exceed budgetary resources, as well as Federal
authorities and responsibilities. With the help of partners,
the Service and its Fisheries Program has identified
seven priority areas where it can and should make a
difference. These priority areas are listed below, and
include goals, objectives, and actions which include
reaffirming some current activities, refocusing others,
and starting new ones. This strategic vision document
is intended to focus and direct Fisheries Program activities
over the next 10 years
The Fisheries Program will use five criteria in deciding
what fishery activities, opportunities, and issues to
address for each of the seven priority areas, and partners
will be consulted as key decisions are made that affect
the direction of the Fisheries Program. The criteria
are based on the identification of a Federal role and
a determination of whether or not the Service is the
most appropriate Federal agency. The Service will weigh
proposed and potential activities by:
-
The strength of Federal authority and responsibility;
-
The extent to which our efforts will complement
others in the fisheries and aquatic resource conservation
community;
-
The likelihood that our efforts will produce measurable
resource results;
-
The likelihood that our efforts will produce significant
economic or social benefits; and
-
The extent of partner support.
--BACK
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Implementation Actions
The implementation actions included in this strategic
vision document focus on the key actions the Fisheries
Program believes it needs to take to attain the vision.
They also focus on actions that will make the Fisheries
Program more effective in conserving aquatic resources,
meeting the needs of American citizens and establishing
partnerships. Each objective in this strategic vision
is supported by one or more implementation actions.
These actions were chosen and described to be specific,
measurable, accountable, and results-oriented. Their
order does not indicate an order of importance. The
scope and speed with which these actions can be taken
will depend on the support and resources available to
the Fisheries Program.
Determining the Service’s success in implementing this
strategic vision will be based on monitoring and evaluating
accomplishments. Equally important is communicating
successes and failures to our partners, stakeholders,
Congress, and the Administration. Meetings will be held
each year to communicate progress and accomplishments.
A report to Congress will be written biennially. This
strategic vision with its implementation actions serves
as a general contract between the Service and its partners.
It identifies key actions the Service and its Fisheries
Program will take in the interest of conserving America’s
fish and other aquatic resources and in sustaining the
benefits those resources provide.
The implementation actions included in this report
draw on a number of sources, most significantly the
two SFBPC reports, ongoing interaction with the SFBPC
Fisheries Steering Committee, Service employees, and
the Service work group efforts to address the 24 hatchery-related
directives from the Department of the Interior and the
Office of Management and Budget. Some of the work group
responses to the hatchery directives are still in development
and will be added as appropriate when they are finalized.
The implementation actions also draw on twelve issue
papers that were exchanged between the Service and the
Steering Committee during development of the two SFBPC
reports, and that proved invaluable in identifying actions
that should be undertaken or expanded to help fill in
gaps in the collective capabilities of the Service and
its partners.
Success in implementing this strategic vision for the
Fisheries Program hinges on developing step-down actions
that are specific to each of the seven geographic regions
of the Service and its Fisheries Program headquarter’s
office. These 5 year step-down plans will identify specific
activities that will contribute to the strategic vision
and identify annual targets that link back to Departmental
and Service strategic plans developed under the Government
Performance and Results Act (GPRA). The regional Fisheries
Program step-down plans will establish accountability
for each activity by identifying responsible parties,
due dates and end products or outcomes. Linkages among
activities will also be identified, as will factors
and prerequisites that might be especially important
to successfully completing those activities. The plan
for the Fisheries Program headquarters office will dovetail
with the seven regional step-down plans and facilitate
successful implementation of activities in those plans.
Where two or more regions have common issues, they will
coordinate the development of activities. All eight
step-down plans will be assembled as a compendium, made
available broadly on the Internet, and used in planning
and operations to set direction and promote communication,
understanding, accountability and partnerships. All
eight plans and the Strategic Plan for the Fisheries
Program will include components to ensure and promote
financial accountability.
The Fisheries Program’s strategic planning effort is
proceeding parallel to the strategic planning efforts
being conducted by the Department and the Service. These
planning efforts have been closely coordinated to ensure
agreement and consistency among the three levels of
management. Tasks conducted under the Fisheries Program’s
Strategic Plan will support four goals under the Department’s
major goal areas:
RESOURCE PROTECTION
-
Goal #1: Watersheds, Landscapes, and Marine Resources
-
Goal #2: Biological Communities
RECREATION
-
Goal #2: Ensure Quality Experience and Enjoyment
of Natural and Cultural Resources on DOI Managed
and Partnered Lands and Waters
SERVING COMMUNITIES
-
Goal #3: Fulfill Indian Trust Responsibilities
Performance measures and performance targets will be
developed as the strategic plan for each management
level is stepped down into outcomes, actions, and tasks.
Core performance measures will be the same under the
strategic plans for all three levels of management.
Furthermore, a small number of additional performance
measures specific to the Service or to the Fisheries
Program may be developed during the Regional step-down
planning process. The Regional step-down plans will
be rolled back up and assembled into the Strategic Plan
for the Service’s Fisheries Program. The common, core
performance measures will link the Fisheries Strategic
Plan to the Service’s Strategic Plan, and then to the
Department’s Strategic Plan.
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Goals, Objectives, and Actions
The Service will strengthen and revitalize its Fisheries
Program and re-commit itself to partnership efforts
to conserve the Nation’s fish and other aquatic resources,
focusing on seven priority areas: Partnerships and Accountability,
Aquatic Species Conservation and Management, Public
Use, Cooperation with Native Americans, Leadership in
Science and Technology, Aquatic Habitat Conservation
and Management, and Workforce Management. The order
of these priority areas is not intended to imply a relative
priority. Goals, objectives, and actions have been identified
for each of the seven priority areas.
1.
Partnerships and Accountability
Partnerships are essential for effective fisheries
conservation. Many agencies, organizations, and private
individuals are involved in fisheries conservation and
management, but no one can do it alone. Together, these
stakeholders combine efforts and expertise to tackle
challenges facing fisheries conservation. The success
of these partnerships will depend on strong, two-way
communications and accountability. Goals, objectives,
and actions were developed to direct Fisheries Program
efforts for working with partners and being accountable.
Partnership Goal: Open, interactive communication
between the Fisheries Program and its partners.
The Fisheries Program will develop and improve relationships
with partners, focusing on the following areas:
Objective 1.1: Develop and improve long-term
partnerships with States, Tribes, other federal agencies,
non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other Service
Programs to develop collaborative conservation strategies
for aquatic resources.
Action 1.1.1: Facilitate annual meetings in
each Region with State Fish and Wildlife Agencies,
Tribal representatives, NGOs, other federal agencies,
and Service counterparts to identify and resolve aquatic
resource management problems, explore new management
opportunities, and maintain productive working relationships.
Action 1.1.2: Explore new opportunities to
improve government-to-government relationships with
Tribal governments.
Action 1.1.3: Establish new “Friends Groups”
to support the goals and purposes of the associated
hatchery or other Fisheries facility with annual objectives
established on regional and national levels.
Action 1.1.4: Work with other Service Programs
to leverage available funding and expertise, and maximize
the attainment of aquatic resource conservation goals.
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Accountability Goal: Effective measuring and
reporting of the Fisheries Program’s progress toward
meeting short-term and long-term fish and other aquatic
resource conservation goals and objectives. The Fisheries
Program will develop effective accountability measurements
and reporting, focusing on the following areas:
Objective 1.2: Develop and implement performance measures
to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of Fisheries
Program resource activities and financial accountability.
Action 1.2.1: Develop and implement regional
and headquarters step-down plans, tiered from the
Service’s Fisheries Program strategic vision within
6 months after the finalization of this strategic
vision.
Action 1.2.2: Annually monitor and evaluate
Regional and National progress toward meeting specified
performance measures, including Government Performance
Results Act (GPRA) performance measures, and report
on its related accomplishments.
Action 1.2.3: Develop performance measures
to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of its
activities relative to the strategic vision, starting
in FY04, using both internal evaluations and input
from States, Tribes, NGOs, and other federal agencies
to measure progress toward meeting expectations.
Action 1.2.4: Manage Fisheries Program funding
to maximize Program performance and to allocate and
spend Program funds in a timely and responsible manner.
--BACK
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2.
Aquatic Species Conservation and Management
The Fisheries Program maintains and implements a comprehensive
set of tools and activities to conserve and manage self-sustaining
populations of native fish and other aquatic resources.
These tools and activities are linked to management
and recovery plans that help achieve restoration and
recovery goals, provide recreational benefits, and address
Federal trust responsibilities. Sound science, effective
partnerships, and careful planning and evaluation are
integral to conservation and management efforts. Goals,
objectives, and actions were developed to direct Fisheries
Program efforts for Native Species, Aquatic Nuisance
Species, and Interjurisdictional Fisheries.
Native Species
Habitat degradation and the spread of aquatic nuisance
species are causing many native species populations
to decline. One hundred fifteen species of fish, 19
species of amphibians, 70 species of mussels, and 21
species of crustaceans are listed as threatened or endangered
under the Endangered Species Act. Many other
unlisted species are also in decline.
Native Species Goal: Self-sustaining populations
of native fish and other aquatic resources that maintain
species diversity, provide recreational opportunities
for the American public, and meet the needs of tribal
communities. The Fisheries Program will conserve
native fish and other aquatic resources, focusing on
the following areas:
Objective 2.1: Recover fish and other aquatic
resource populations protected under the Endangered
Species Act. The Fisheries Program will increase
efforts in planning and implementing actions with partners
to help recover threatened and endangered aquatic species,
such as developing rearing technologies and providing
refugia, while restoring aquatic habitats.
Action 2.1.1: Provide increased expertise
to the Endangered Species Program to conduct status
reviews for fish and other aquatic resources populations.
Action 2.1.2: Identify threatened and endangered
fish and other aquatic species that do not currently
have recovery plans and update the list on an annual
basis, in coordination with the Endangered Species
Program.
Action 2.1.3: Take the lead in working with
Endangered Species Program staff and partners to develop
recovery plans for those threatened and endangered
species identified in Action 2.1.2.
Action 2.1.4: Increase implementation of appropriate
actions identified in recovery plans.
Objective 2.2: Restore declining fish and
other aquatic resource populations before they require
listing under the Endangered Species Act.
The Fisheries Program will increase its support and
assistance in stopping and reversing declines of native
fish and other aquatic resources, including restoring
fish passage and rebuilding populations.
Action 2.2.1: Work with States, Tribes, the
Endangered Species Program, and other key partners
to identify declining fish and other aquatic resource
populations and the associated threats.
Action 2.2.2: Work with States, Tribes, and
other partners to identify and prioritize actions
that will be most effective and efficient in achieving
desired resource goals and outcomes.
Action 2.2.3: Work with States, Tribes, and
other partners to begin implementing identified priority
actions to eliminate or reduce the threats causing
the declines.
Objective 2.3: Maintain diverse, self-sustaining
fish and other aquatic resource populations. The
Fisheries Program will increase its participation in
collaborative efforts to ensure that habitats and native
biological communities remain intact and at self-sustaining
levels.
Action 2.3.1: Work with States, Tribes, and
other federal agencies to monitor the status of self-sustaining
native fish and other aquatic resource populations
and to identify the biggest threats to those populations.
Action 2.3.2: Work with States, Tribes, and
other federal agencies to identify and implement priority
actions that need to be taken to reduce and monitor
the biggest threats.
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Aquatic Nuisance Species
Aquatic nuisance species threaten the diversity or
abundance of native species or the ecological stability
of infested waters, or commercial, agricultural, aquacultural
or recreational activities dependent on those waters.
More than 20 Federal agencies are involved with preventing
and controlling aquatic nuisance species, in cooperation
with States, Tribes, private industry, and others.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Goal: Risks of aquatic
nuisance species invasions are substantially reduced,
and their economic, ecological, and human health impacts
are minimized. The Fisheries Program will seek to
prevent and reduce the establishment and spread of aquatic
nuisance species, focusing on the following areas:
Objective 2.4: Prevent new introductions
of aquatic nuisance species. The Fisheries Program
will increase its leadership role in collaborative efforts
to implement activities and programs that prevent the
establishment of aquatic nuisance species.
Action 2.4.1: Increase efforts to work with
the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, the National
Invasive Species Council, and others to identify and
monitor high-risk pathways for the introduction of
Aquatic nuisance species and to participate in preventative
actions to reduce the likelihood of the introduction
of new aquatic nuisance species associated with those
pathways.
Action 2.4.2: Facilitate the prevention and
control of aquatic nuisance species through the development
and support of State management plans, regional panels
and other mechanisms.
Action 2.4.3: Coordinate the Service’s efforts
in the re-authorization of the National Invasive Species
Act.
Action 2.4.4: Increase education and outreach
activities to raise public awareness of aquatic nuisance
species problems and how the public can help.
Action 2.4.5: Implement Hazard Analysis and
Critical Control Points (HACCP) or similar control
planning processes in the National Fish Hatchery System
and other Fisheries Program activities to prevent
the unintentional release or spread of aquatic nuisance
species.
Objective 2.5: Minimize range expansion and
population growth of established aquatic nuisance species.
The Fisheries Program will expand its role in partnership
efforts by developing methods and conducting programs
designed to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species
to new locations and limit growth of established populations.
Action 2.5.1: Increase efforts to work with
States, Tribes, and other partners by coordinating
surveys and monitoring efforts to detect and control
aquatic nuisance species.
Action 2.5.2: Work with the National Wildlife
Refuge System, States, Tribes, other federal agencies,
and NGOs to increase rapid response and other capabilities
to control aquatic nuisance species populations and
prevent their expansion.
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Interjurisdictional Fisheries
Responsibility for managing native, interjurisdictional
fisheries in the United States is assigned by many laws,
treaties, and court orders, but follows no single model.
By definition, interjurisdictional fisheries management
is a collaborative process involving State, Tribal and
Federal governments.
Interjurisdictional Fisheries Goal: Interjurisdictional
fish populations are managed at self-sustaining levels.
The Fisheries Program will support, facilitate and/or
lead collaborative approaches to conserve, and where
necessary restore, sustainable interjurisdictional fish
populations, focusing on the following areas:
Objective 2.7: Co-manage interjurisdictional
fisheries. The Fisheries Program will increase its
participation and assistance with other Federal, State,
and Tribal interjurisdictional fishery management efforts,
including commercial and subsistence fisheries in freshwater,
coastal, and marine ecosystems.
Action 2.7.1: Lead the development of a Memorandum
of Understanding to clarify the roles and responsibilities
of the Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service
in managing interjurisdictional fisheries.
Action 2.7.2: Increase participation in interstate
fishery management councils, commissions, and other
associations.
Action 2.7.2: Provide Federal leadership to
implement the Federal subsistence fisheries program
in Alaska, pursuant to mandates of the Alaska National
Interest Lands Conservation Act.
Objective 2.8: Support, facilitate, and/or
lead collaborative approaches to manage interjurisdictional
fisheries. The Fisheries Program will increase its
involvement in collaborative efforts, including the
development of fishery and watershed management plans,
collect and share scientific information and data, and
provide fish required under fishery management plans.
Action 2.8.1: Work with States, Tribes, and
other federal agencies to identify the biggest threats
to maintaining self-sustaining, interjurisdictional
fish populations in freshwater, coastal, Great Lakes
and marine ecosystems.
Action 2.8.2: Work with States, Tribes, and
other federal agencies to identify and implement priority
actions to eliminate or reduce those threats.
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3.
Public Use
As the population in the United States continues to
grow, the potential for adverse impacts on aquatic resources,
including habitat will increase. At the same time, demands
for responsible, quality recreational fishing experiences
will also increase. The Service has a long tradition
of providing opportunities for public enjoyment of aquatic
resources through recreational fishing, habitat restoration,
and education programs and through mitigating impacts
of Federal water projects.
The Service also recognizes that some aquatic habitats
have been irreversibly altered by human activity (i.e.
- dam building). To compensate for these significant
changes in habitat and lost fishing opportunities, managers
often introduce non-native species when native species
can no longer survive in the altered habitat. This aspect
was considered in the development of the Public Use
section. Goals, objectives and actions for Fisheries
Program activities related to Recreational Fishing and
Mitigation Fisheries were developed.
Recreational Fishing
Fishing continues to be a favorite pastime in the United
States. The Service’s 2001 preliminary National Survey
of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation
reported that 34 million anglers (16 % of the U.S. population)
16 years old and older, spent more than $35 billion
annually on trips, equipment, licenses, and other items
to support their fishing activities. The average annual
expenditure was $1,046 per angler.
Providing recreational fishing opportunities is a cooperative
effort between the Service, other Federal agencies,
States, Tribes, NGOs and the sportfishing community.
The Service provides various recreational fishing opportunities
on lands it manages. At least 268 out of 538 National
Wildlife Refuges provided recreational fishing and hosted
6.4 million fishing visits in 2000. The Service also
works with the Department of Defense to provide fishing
opportunities on military lands.
Recreational Fishing Goal: Quality opportunities
for responsible fishing and other related recreational
enjoyment of aquatic resources on Service lands, on
Tribal and military lands, and on other waters where
the Service has a role. The Fisheries Program will
focus its efforts to achieve this goal on the following
areas:
Objective 3.1: Enhance recreational fishing
opportunities on Service and Department of Defense lands.
The Fisheries Program will increase its work with National
Wildlife Refuges, National Fish Hatcheries, and the
Department of Defense to enhance fishing opportunities
for the public on Service and military lands. Activities
will focus on maintaining and restoring aquatic habitats,
developing and implementing fishery management plans,
and increasing access for recreational fishing opportunities.
Action 3.1.1: Provide increased expertise
and assistance to help develop fish and other aquatic
resource conservation elements in Refuge Comprehensive
Conservation Plans (CCP’s).
Action 3.1.2: Provide increased expertise
and assistance to help develop and implement fish
and other aquatic resource management plans on National
Wildlife Refuges.
Action 3.1.3: Work with the National Wildlife
Refuge System to identify and implement ways to increase
recreational fishing use on Refuges, where compatible,
through actions, such as creating additional access,
new habitat, and promotion and outreach.
Action 3.1.4: Advocate for the appropriate
involvement of Tribes and State Fish and Wildlife
Agencies in activities that involve recreational fisheries,
on an ongoing basis.
Action 3.1.5: Provide technical assistance
and recommendations for conserving and rehabilitating
recreational fisheries on military installations.
Objective 3.2: Provide support to States,
Tribes, and other partners to identify and meet shared
or complementary recreational fishing and aquatic education
and outreach objectives. The Fisheries Program will
continue to provide hatchery fish and technical assistance
in support of recreational fishing and aquatic outreach
activities.
Action 3.2.1: Work with States, Tribes, and
other partners to provide technical assistance and,
under certain conditions, provide hatchery fish to
meet recreational fishing objectives (i.e., for mitigation,
restoration and recovery of recreationally valuable
species, treaty-reserved or statutorily defined Tribal
trust natural resources, using conservation exchanges
and cost-recovery to optimize fish production, and
aquatic outreach and education activities).
Action 3.2.2: Continue to support National
Fishing and Boating Week events, scouting jamborees,
and similar events with technical assistance and hatchery
fish, on an ongoing basis.
Objective 3.3: Recognize and promote the
value and importance of recreational fishery objectives
in implementation of other Service responsibilities.
The Fisheries Program will continue its efforts to balance
the conservation of native fish and other aquatic resources
and providing quality recreational fishing opportunities.
Action 3.3.1: Work with other Service programs
to ensure that actions, decisions, policies, and programs
consider the recreational fisheries roles and objectives
of the Service, on an ongoing basis.
Action 3.3.2: Work with partners to identify
and implement outreach and education activities regarding
the concept, value, and importance of responsible
recreational fishing to the American public.
Action 3.3.3: Conduct a national economic
analysis of its contributions to recreational and
commercial fishing.
Mitigation Fisheries
When Federal locks and dams were constructed, Congress
and the Federal government committed to mitigate impacts
on recreational, commercial, and tribal fisheries. Mitigation
activities include habitat improvement, native species
recovery, and stocking native and non-native fish. Over
the years, Congress provided funds and directed the
Service to construct and operate hatcheries to provide
fish to help mitigate fishery losses. These mitigation
hatchery programs are a legitimate use of the National
Fish Hatchery System. In some cases, Congress provided
funds to others to construct mitigation hatcheries operated
by the Service and certain states. Today, the current
challenge is to delineate agency mitigation responsibilities
and related funding mechanisms.
Mitigation Fisheries Goal: The Federal government
meets its responsibilities to mitigate for the impacts
of Federal water projects, including restoring habitat
and/or providing fish and associated technical support
to compensate for lost fishing opportunities. The
Service will work with other Federal agencies, States,
and Tribes to meet mitigation responsibilities, with
a focus on the following areas:
Objective 3.4: Identify the mitigation responsibilities
of Federal agencies for Federal water projects.
The Fisheries Program will work with the Administration
and Congress to identify and clarify federal agency
mitigation responsibilities for federally-funded water
projects.
Action 3.4.1: Determine the Service’s mitigation
responsibilities for federally-funded water projects.
Action 3.4.2: Work with other federal agencies
to determine their mitigation responsibility for federally-funded
water projects.
Objective 3.5: Meet the Service’s responsibilities
for mitigating fisheries at federally-funded water projects.
Action 3.5.1: Provide fish to meet its determined
mitigation responsibilities.
Action 3.5.2: Develop legislative strategies
to clarify and authorize mitigation responsibilities
for federally-funded water projects.
Objective 3.6: Recover 100 percent of costs
for mitigation activities associated with hatchery production
and stocking from the water project sponsor. The
Fisheries Program will identify the full cost of its
mitigation activities and increase efforts to pursue
cost recovery from the appropriate Federal agencies,
involving the Administration and Congress in these efforts.
Where full cost recovery is not obtainable, the Service
will work with the appropriate entities to identify
other means of maintaining the mitigation activities.
Action 3.6.1: Identify the full costs of Service
mitigation activities.
Action 3.6.2: Pursue full cost-recovery from
other federal agencies for their mitigation responsibilities
associated with federally-funded water projects.
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4.
Cooperation with Native Americans
Conserving this Nation’s fish and other aquatic resources
cannot be successful without the partnership of Tribes;
they manage or influence some of the most important
aquatic habitats both on and off reservations. In addition,
the Federal government and the Service have distinct
and unique obligations toward Tribes based on trust
responsibility, treaty provisions, and statutory mandates.
The Fisheries Program plays an important role in providing
help and support to Tribes as they exercise their sovereignty
in the management of their fish and wildlife resources
on more than 55 million acres of Federal Indian trust
land and in treaty reserved areas.
Native American Assistance Goal: Assistance is provided
to Tribes that results in the management, protection,
and conservation of their treaty-reserved or statutorily
defined trust natural resources which helps Tribes develop
their own capabilities. The Fisheries Program will
focus its efforts on the following areas:
Objective 4.1: Provide technical assistance
to Tribes. The Fisheries Program will continue to
provide technical assistance to Tribes, as requested
and to the extent possible, for Tribal natural resource
management activities.
Action 4.1.1: Provide technical assistance
to Tribes that supports Tribal natural resource management
goals, such as training, developing management plans,
maintaining healthy hatchery fish, and developing
hatchery operating procedures, on an ongoing basis.
Action 4.1.2: Explore the use of cooperative
agreements and Intergovernmental Personnel Act Agreements
(IPAs) to advance technical assistance to Tribes and
develop Tribal technical expertise in fish and wildlife
management.
Objective 4.2: Identify sources of funds
to enhance Tribal resource management. The Fisheries
Program will increase its efforts to work with Tribes
and other stakeholders to identify sources of funds
that can be used to enhance Tribal resource management
infrastructures or for particular partnerships or initiatives
involving Tribes.
Objective 4.3: Provide fish for Tribal resource
management. The Fisheries Program will continue
to provide fish as part of recovery plans for listed
species, in support of sustainable fisheries management,
and for trust species and ongoing programs to enhance
outdoor recreation on Tribal lands.
Action 4.3.1: Work with Tribes to identify
shared or complementary fisheries conservation management
objectives.
Action 4.3.2: Provide fish to implement fishery
management plans.
Action 4.3.3: Provide fish as agreed to under
conservation exchanges or other special arrangements.
Objective 4.4: Recognize and promote the
Service’s distinct obligations toward Tribes within
the Fisheries Program. The Fisheries Program will
continue to be vigilant that its actions, programs,
and other partnerships do not infringe upon tribal rights.
Action 4.4.1: Consult with and integrate Tribes
into decisions affecting them to ensure that actions,
decisions, and policies consider and integrate tribal
roles and responsibilities.
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5.
Leadership in Science and Technology
Science and technology form the foundation of successful
fish and aquatic resource conservation and are used
to structure and implement monitoring and evaluation
programs that are critical to determine the success
of management actions. The Service is committed to following
established principles of sound science.
Science and Technology Goal: Science developed and
used by Service employees for aquatic resource restoration
and management is state-of-the-art, scientifically sound
and legally defensible, and technological advances in
fisheries science developed by Service employees are
available to partners. The Fisheries Program will
develop, apply, and disseminate state-of-the-art science
and technology to conserve and manage aquatic resources,
focusing on the following areas:
Objective 5.1: Utilize appropriate scientific
and technologic tools in formulating and executing fishery
management plans and policies. The Fisheries Program
will increase its efforts to identify, revise, and update
aquatic science tools as necessary to support the management
and conservation of sustainable fisheries.
Action 5.1.1: Work with partners to ensure
that all fish and other aquatic resource conservation
plans are based on scientifically valid information.
Action 5.1.2: Adhere to the highest scientific
standards and ethics in all its activities.
Objective 5.2: Develop and share applied
aquatic scientific and technologic tools with partners.
The Fisheries Program will continue to develop science
and technology at its Fish Technology Centers, Fish
Health Centers, and Fishery Resources Offices, including
its Conservation Genetics Laboratory, and share those
capabilities in order to provide a platform for cooperative
programs that are beyond the scope of individual States
and Tribes.
Action 5.2.1: Work with partners to determine
the highest priority needs for scientific, management,
and technology tools.
Action 5.2.2: Expand science and technology
development to meet priority needs.
Action 5.2.3: Identify, revise, and update
aquatic science and technology tools used by the Service
and its partners on an ongoing basis.
Action 5.2.4: Increase facilitation for the
approval of new and expanded use of aquatic animal
chemicals and therapeutic drugs.
Action 5.2.5: The Service Director will work
with the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
to increase USGS participation in aquatic-related
research within the Science Support Partnerships Program
and develop more effective mechanisms for Service
aquatic resource conservation research needs and priorities
to be incorporated into USGS/BRD research activities.
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6.
Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Management
Loss and alteration of aquatic habitats are principal
factors in the decline of native fish and other aquatic
resources and the loss of biodiversity. Seventy percent
of the Nation’s rivers have altered flows, and 50 percent
of waterways fail to meet minimum biological criteria.
Aquatic Habitat Goal: America’s streams, lakes,
estuaries, and wetlands are functional ecosystems that
support self-sustaining communities of fish and other
aquatic resources. The Fisheries Program will collaborate
with partners to conserve and restore habitats for fish
and other aquatic resource populations, focusing on
the following areas:
Objective 6.1: Facilitate management of aquatic
habitats on national and regional scales. The Fisheries
Program will start work with Federal, State, Tribal,
and other partners to identify aquatic habitat restoration
needs and implement priority actions.
Action 6.1.1: Identify and implement significant
watershed management programs with partners to ensure
that habitat conservation and restoration is an integral
component of management actions.
Action 6.1.2: Work with Federal, State, Tribal,
and other partners to explore the benefits of a National
Aquatic Habitat Plan and the appropriate Service role
in its development and implementation.
Objective 6.2: Expand the use of Fisheries
Program expertise to avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts
of habitat alteration on fish and other aquatic species.
The Fisheries Program will increase the involvement
of its employees in Service activities to address issues
and threats related to hydropower re-licensing and development
of wetlands.
Action 6.2.1: Increase Fisheries Program involvement
in existing and new Service habitat conservation programs
and activities (e.g., HCPs, Partners for Fish and
Wildlife, environmental contaminants, FERC relicensing,
Refuge planning, and others) to ensure that priority
aquatic habitat issues are addressed.
Action 6.2.2: Work with partners to identify
and provide access beyond barriers to fish migration.
Objective 6.3: Increase the quantity and
improve the quality of aquatic and riparian habitat
on Service lands. The Fisheries Program will expand
the involvement of its employees, in coordination with
the National Wildlife Refuge System, to identify and
implement opportunities for increasing the quantity
and improving the quality of aquatic and riparian habitats
on Service lands.
Action 6.3.1: Work with the National Wildlife
Refuge System to develop and implement strategies
for increased or new aquatic habitat conservation
programs on Service lands.
Action 6.3.2: Work with the National Wildlife
Refuge System to re-evaluate the Fisheries and Aquatic
Resource component of the Land Acquisition Priority
System.
Action 6.3.3: Work with the National Wildlife
Refuge System to identify opportunities for land protection
proposals benefitting fish and other aquatic resources.
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7.
Workforce Management
The Fisheries Program relies on a broad range of professionals
to accomplish its mission: biologists, managers, administrators,
clerks, animal caretakers, and maintenance workers.
Without their skills and dedication, the Fisheries Program
cannot succeed. Employees must be trained, equipped
and supported in order to perform their jobs safely,
often under demanding environmental conditions, and
to keep current with the constantly expanding science
of fish and aquatic resource management and conservation.
Workforce Management Goal: Maintain and support
an adequately-sized, strategically positioned workforce
with state-of-the-art training, equipment, and technologies
in their career fields. The Fisheries Program will
recruit, support, and position an effective and motivated
workforce capable of meeting the expectations of employees
and partners in fish and other aquatic resource conservation,
focusing on the following areas:
Objective 7.1: Staff Fisheries Program field
stations at levels adequate to effectively meet the
Service’s goals and objectives in fish and other aquatic
resource conservation. The Fisheries Program will
analyze positions and organizational structures at all
Fisheries Field Stations, identify the critical staff
and functions needed to support various types and sizes
of hatcheries and Fishery Resources Offices, and fill
critical vacancies or gaps in the workforce with well-qualified
individuals.
Action 7.1.1: Develop a 5-year plan to guide
human capital management decisions.
Action 7.1 2: Develop and adhere to annual
operational work plans for each station.
Objective 7.2: Provide employees with opportunities
to maintain competencies in the expanding knowledge
and technologies needed to improve opportunities for
professional achievement, advancement and recognition.
The Fisheries Program will identify training and developmental
learning opportunities both inside and outside the Service
for all skills utilized, as well as preparing staff
for future leadership positions.
Action 7.2.1: Identify core competencies required
for its employees.
Action 7.2.2: Work with the National Conservation
Training Center to develop training opportunities
for employees to meet competency levels.
Objective 7.3: Provide employees with access
to facilities and equipment needed to effectively, efficiently
and safely perform their jobs. The Fisheries Program
will provide its employees with state-of-the-art biotechnology,
computers, and maintenance and safety equipment.
Action 7.3.1: Identify and start implementing
operational, structural and geographic changes that
would help maximize effectiveness and efficiency at
field stations.
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Definitions
Aquatic nuisance species - introduced, exotic,
or transplanted species, including viruses, bacteria,
protozoans, and parasites, that threaten the diversity
or abundance of native species or the ecological stability
of infested waters, or commercial, agricultural, aquacultural
or recreational activities dependent on those waters.
Conservation - management, restoration, and
protection of self-sustaining and imperiled species
populations.
Exotic species - any species introduced from
a foreign country (Shafland and Lewis 1984).
Imperiled species - any species listed as threatened
or endangered under the authority of the Endangered
Species Act, considered a candidate for listing, or
its population is in a steep decline.
Interjurisdictional fisheries - freshwater,
coastal, or marine fish populations managed by two or
more states, nations, or tribal governments because
of their geographic distribution or migratory patterns.
Introduced species - any species moved from
one place to another by human activity (Shafland and
Lewis 1984).
Invasive Species - any non-native species whose
introduction does or is likely to cause economic or
environmental harm or harm to human health (Executive
Order 13112, 1999).
Native species - any species within historic
range, the area occupied at the time of European colonization
of North America (Horak 1995).
Naturalized species - any non-native species
that has adapted and grows or multiplies as if native
(Horak 1995).
Non-native species - any species that occupies
an ecosystem beyond its historic range (Horak 1995).
Responsible fishing - the act of fishing while
1) abiding to all fishing regulations and laws; 2) preventing
the spread of aquatic nuisance species, and; 3) respecting
private property and the rights of other anglers.
Self-sustaining - capable of maintaining itself
independently (Webster’s New World Dictionary,
Third College Edition, s.v. “self-sustaining”).
Transplanted species - any species moved outside
of its native range but within a country where it occurs
naturally (Shafland and Lewis 1984).
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Literature
Cited
ASA (American Sportfishing Association).
1996. The Economic Importance of Sport Fishing. 10 pp.
American Sportfishing Association. Alexandria, VA.
Dahl, T.E. 1990. Wetland losses in the U.S.
1970's to 1980's. U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish
and Wildlife Service, Washington D.C. 21 pp.
Executive Order 13112. 1999. Invasive Species.
Fuller, P.L., L.G. Nico, and J.D. Williams.
1999. Nonindigenous fishes introduced into inland waters
of the United States. American Fisheries Society, Special
Publication 27, Bethesda, Maryland.
Horak, D. 1995. Native and Non-native Fish
Species Used in State Fisheries Management Programs
in the United States. American Fisheries Society Symposium
15:61-67.
Miller, A. and B. Payne. 2001. Effects of
zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and essential
habitat for Lampsilis higginsi in the Upper Mississippi
River System, 2000. Aquatic Ecology Branch, Engineering
Research and Development Center, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Vicksburg, MS. 28pp.
Moyle, P.B. and R.A. Leidy. 1992. Loss of
biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems: Evidence from fish
faunas. In: Fielder, P.L. and S.K. Jans, eds. Conservation
Biology: The Theory and Practice of Nature, Conservation
Preservation and Management. Chapman and Hall, NY.
OTA, Office of Technology Assessment. 1993.
Harmful Non-Indigenous Species in the United States.
Washington (DC): Office of Technology Assessment, US
Congress.
Shafland, P.L. and W.M. Lewis. 1984. Adapted
from: Terminology Associated with Introduced Organisms.
Fisheries 9(4):17-18.
Webster’s New World Dictionary, Third
College Edition. 1988. Simon and Schuster, Inc. New
York, New York.
Williams, J.D., M.L. Warren, K.S. Cummings,
J.L. Harris, and R.J. Neves. 1993. Conservation status
of freshwater mussels of the United States and Canada.
Fisheries 18(9):6-22.
Williams, J.E., J.E. Johnson, D.A. Hendrickson,
S. Contreras-Balderas, J.D. Williams, M. Navarro-Mendoza,
D.E. McAllister, and J.E. Deacon. 1989. Fishes of North
America endangered, threatened, or of special concern:
1989. Fisheries 14(6):2-20.
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