Native Species

We restore declining native fish and freshwater mussel populations by protecting and restoring habitats and reintroducing fish and mussels where appropriate. For example, the Great Lakes Region identifies suitable habitats and releases lake trout eggs and yearlings in the Great Lakes.

We also work to recover listed species under the Endangered Species Act. Such species as the Atlantic Salmon and dwarf wedge mussel have been identified as important to the watersheds and systems that they inhabit.

We monitor and evaluate fish populations and maintain databases to assist partners in managing fisheries resources. Long-term monitoring allows evaluation of the health, relative abundance and protective measures needed to sustain stocks within an ecosystem.