Research
Technical Assistance
Graduate education
Cooperative Research Units
Established in 1935 at Iowa State University, our mission is our hallmark: work with University students to develop the conservation workforce, help decision-makers make complex conservation decisions, and to provide technical assistance between natural resource agencies and universities. We support 43 units located in 41 States, at 44 host universities. Our Program Office is in Reston, Virginia.
2023 Year in Review
2023 Year in Review
We have more than 700 research projects under way and generate 400-500 scientific publications annually.
10-year Overview
10-year Overview
Supporting Fish and Wildlife agency partners for natural resource management since 1935.
Where's our Science?
Where's our Science?
We support 43 units in 41 states, at 44 host universities, with a Program office at USGS National Center.
News
Publications
U.S. Geological Survey Pollinator Science Strategy, 2025–35—A Review and Look Forward U.S. Geological Survey Pollinator Science Strategy, 2025–35—A Review and Look Forward
This “U.S. Geological Survey Pollinator Science Strategy, 2025–35—A Review and Look Forward” (“Pollinator Science Strategy”) describes the science vision of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to support management, conservation, and policy decisions on animal pollinators and their habitats. As the science arm of the Department of the Interior (DOI), the USGS has a primary role in...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units, Fort Collins Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, National Geospatial Technical Operations Center
Fomites could determine severity of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in low-density white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations Fomites could determine severity of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in low-density white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations
The establishment of a reservoir species for zoonotic diseases is concerning for both animal and human health. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2, the coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has been detected in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the United States. Since its initial detection, various studies have documented circulation and...
On the importance and practical conservation of nongame fishes. On the importance and practical conservation of nongame fishes.
Fisheries management has historically focused conservation efforts on game or sport species. However, most species are nongame—those not traditionally captured for sport or harvest in countries where recreational fisheries predominate. Greater conservation of nongame species could help ensure that population declines do not go unnoticed. Unfortunately, fisheries managers already manage...
Science
Powering Progress: How Science Can Fuel the Energy Resources Life Cycle
Energy is essential to modern life, and accessing it involves a complex lifecycle, from resource discovery to extraction, use, and eventual remediation and reclamation. The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area supports this process by conducting research and providing scientific insights to guide decision-making at each stage. By collaborating with resource management agencies and stakeholders, we analyze...
Fishing and Hunting
This page is a work in progress and showcases fishing and hunting as a way of life, a food source, and recreational opportunity for millions of Americans. The management of fish and wildlife populations for the benefit of current and future generations is the foundation of our Nation’s conservation heritage. We help to inform decisions through a variety of actions, from the development and...
USGS Ecosystems Science for Food and Water Security
USGS science developed by the Ecosystems Mission Area helps ensure safe and abundant domestic food and water supplies, ensuring all Americans access to livelihoods and traditions that connect generations with each other and the outdoors and strengthen America’s self-reliance. USGS science is used by decision makers at all levels to understand how the quality of America’s food supply is directly...
