|
Western Fisheries Research Center Our Mission The Western Fisheries Research Center will carry out research and provide technical assistance to support the best possible stewardship of the Nation's natural resources, emphasizing fish populations and aquatic ecosystems of the West... Achieving this mission will extend the Center's seven-decade history of excellence in the fisheries disciplines into the future. Our emphasis is shaped by the Center's long leadership in fishery sciences, by our scientists and physical capabilities such as laboratories and field stations, by current conservation needs identified for research, and by the complementary work of other centers in the Western Region. Our mission encompasses diverse issues. The vast geography of the American West encompasses numerous ecosystems with a diversity of natural resources. In the Pacific Northwest the great river systems, coastal marine environments, and forests are conspicuous features. In the more arid interior, forests and shrublands dominate. Deserts compose much of the Southwest and Great Basin, interrupted by the Colorado River and smaller springs and stream systems. These environments provide immense value to humans in the form of commodities such as water, environmental goods and services, cultural and aesthetic values, enjoyment, and fundamental life support. Entire ecosystems are changing quickly in the West as a result of human activity. Some are in serious decline and are under pressure from (among the many forces) water and land development, grazing, mining, harvest and invasive species. As a result, some species such as salmon are in serious decline. Managers charged with overseeing natural resources face major dilemmas-but they often do not have adequate biological information necessary to make informed decisions. Fisheries, aquatic resources, and ecosystems involving water-the focus of our science-will pose some of the greatest challenges of all. Natural Resources Emphasized in WFRC Research Capabilities to Support our Mission |
