Protecting Our Waterways
National survey of recreation and associated wildlife — dedicated to sustainable fisheries and habitat preservation since 2020.
Get InvolvedOur Programs
Fish Population Surveys
Comprehensive monitoring of freshwater and saltwater fish populations across national waterways, tracking abundance, distribution, and health.
Read More →Habitat Restoration
Working with local communities and agencies to restore critical spawning grounds, riparian zones, and aquatic ecosystems.
Read More →Recreational Fishing Data
Gathering data on recreational fishing activity to inform sustainable management practices and conservation policy.
Read More →Species of Concern
Identifying and monitoring threatened and endangered aquatic species to guide protection efforts and recovery programs.
Read More →Volunteer Programs
Join citizen scientists in the field — help collect data, tag fish, and contribute to conservation efforts nationwide.
Read More →Education & Outreach
Programs for schools, clubs, and communities to learn about aquatic ecology, sustainable fishing, and conservation.
Read More →Get Involved
Report What You’ve Seen
Help us track fish and wildlife by submitting your field observations. Your reports contribute to real-time monitoring of species health and distribution.
- Sick or dead fish/wildlife
- Species of concern
- Invasive species
- Oil/toxic spills
- Abandoned fishing gear
Emergency Actions for Streams & Rivers
Advance notification is not required for emergency work in streams, lakes, and rivers when carried out for the in-kind repair of a structure or facility, or to remove debris from a water course.
Examples of emergency work include immediate actions necessary to protect life or property, emergency repairs to public facilities, and emergency projects to maintain or restore existing waterways.
Recent News
Fish Census Research Group March Calendar of Events Now Available
Check out upcoming field surveys, community events, and volunteer opportunities for the month of March.
$59.6 Million Approved for Wildlife Crossings & Salmon Recovery Projects
Grants approved for 27 projects across 18 counties to protect biodiversity and restore important wildlife habitats.
Annual Fish Population Report Released for National Waterways
Our latest research findings on fish population trends, habitat health, and recommendations for sustainable management.