The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the “Service”) is a bureau within the United States Department of the Interior. The Service is the primary government agency dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife and plants, and their habitats. The Service is the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of these important natural resources for the American public. The Service is also primarily responsible for enforcing the U.S. Endangered Species Act and maintaining the Endangered Species List in the United States.

The Service's origins date back to 1871 when Congress established the U.S. Fish Commission to study the decrease in the nation’s food fishes and recommend ways to reverse that decline. Today, the agency employs about 8,000 dedicated professionals working out of facilities across the country. The Service’s headquarters office is located in Falls Church, Virginia. It has eight regional offices representing the 12 Unified Interior Regions.