Environmental Contaminants What We Do...
History
The Fish & Wildlife Service (Service) has been involved with studying contaminant effects on fish and wildlife
since its earliest days, but the Environmental Contaminants Program really began to take form in the 1950s, when
increasing awareness of pollution problems spurred the American public to demand action. In 1962, Rachel Carson,
a former Service employee, captured national attention with her landmark book,
Silent Spring, which outlined the widespread harmful
effects of pesticides on the environment. Carson's alarming message that the effects of these substances on
wildlife serve as indicators of what may ultimately jeopardize our own health struck a chord with the American
public.
Today, the Service's Environmental Contaminants Program includes contaminants specialists stationed at more than
75 locations around the country. Two of these stations are in New Mexico: The New Mexico Ecological Services Field
Office (NMESFO) and the Southwest Regional Office, established in 1985. We specialize in detecting toxic chemicals;
addressing their effects; preventing harm to fish, wildlife, and their habitats; and
restoring habitat. We are skilled
in addressing oil and chemical
spills, pesticides,
water quality, and other aspects
of pollution biology. The Contaminant Program's operations are integrated into all other NMESFO activities and the
Service's contaminants specialists often work in partnership with other Federal, State, Tribal, and Private
agencies and organizations which have come to rely on our expertise.
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