Fish Census Research Group — Est. 2020
See the Seasonal Updates page before planning your next survey outing or field research trip.

Protecting Our Waterways

National survey of recreation and associated wildlife — dedicated to sustainable fisheries and habitat preservation since 2020.

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Our Programs

Fish Population Surveys

Comprehensive monitoring of freshwater and saltwater fish populations across national waterways, tracking abundance, distribution, and health.

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Habitat Restoration

Working with local communities and agencies to restore critical spawning grounds, riparian zones, and aquatic ecosystems.

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Recreational Fishing Data

Gathering data on recreational fishing activity to inform sustainable management practices and conservation policy.

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Species of Concern

Identifying and monitoring threatened and endangered aquatic species to guide protection efforts and recovery programs.

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Volunteer Programs

Join citizen scientists in the field — help collect data, tag fish, and contribute to conservation efforts nationwide.

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Education & Outreach

Programs for schools, clubs, and communities to learn about aquatic ecology, sustainable fishing, and conservation.

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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

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27 February 2026

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.

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20 February 2026

$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.

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13 February 2026

Annual Fish Population Report Released for National Waterways

Our latest research findings on fish population trends, habitat health, and recommendations for sustainable management.

Join the Fish Census Research Group

Become a member and contribute to the national effort to survey, protect, and sustain our aquatic ecosystems.

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