Leadership in Science & 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. Achieving this goal demonstrates a commitment to our partners, establishes principles of sound science, and increases the success of resource conservation.

The Fisheries Program in the Southwest Region develops science and technology at its Aquatic Resource Centers, Southwestern Fish Health Unit, and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices and shares those capabilities in order to provide a platform for cooperative programs that are beyond the scope of individual states and tribes. The Fisheries Program coordinates with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Biological Resources Division, Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units, and other research partners to improve connections between science delivery and fishery management needs.

Efforts to identify, revise, and update aquatic science tools to support the management and conservation of sustainable fisheries is a continual goal. The Fisheries Program implements science and technology recovery and management plan tasks and works with partners to ensure that plans are based on scientifically valid information. In coordination with partners and other Service programs, we promote and develop technical and management forums to increase efficiencies, share information, and leverage funding.

About the Photo:

Genetic Analysis of Big Bend Gambusia at the Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center (Southwestern ARRC)

Southwestern ARRC recently completed a genetic analysis of captive and wild Big Bend gambusia from Big Bend National Park, Texas that were salvaged due to a flood that threatened the only remaining wild population. Results indicate that all 90 Big Bend gambusia sampled were classified as pure with no evidence of hybridization. An additional objective of the study was to determine if the wild population was genetically synonymous with the captive refuge population, since the two have been separated for 34 years. Based on the results of microsatellite analysis, individuals salvaged in 2008 will be combined with the existing Southwestern ARRC refuge stock and managed as one refuge population.