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The pallid sturgeon is a threatened species in the U.S. that lives mainly in the Missouri and lower Mississippi rivers. While research has provided valuable insights into its biology and ecology in these main rivers, there are still significant gaps in understanding how the sturgeon uses and depends on their tributaries.

USGS researchers at the Montana Fishery Research Unit conducted field experiments in the Big Hole drainage of southwestern Montana to determine the efficacy of Denil fish ladders to pass Arctic grayling and trout at low-head irrigation diversion dams.

The Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, with support from the Arkansas Fish and Game Commission, is leading research to investigate the effects of commercial harvest on turtle populations and demography across the Delta ecoregion. Most turtle species are long-lived, mature at advanced ages, and have slow reproduction.

USGS researchers at the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, through research efforts and a strong partnership with Yellowstone National Park, the Yellowstone cutthroat trout population has rebounded such that anglers are fishing the lake again, outfitters are booking back-country trips, and grizzly bears are visiting Yellowstone cutthroat trout spawning tribu

USGS researchers at the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit are working with the Missouri Department of Conservation and The Nature Conservancy to determine how beaver-inspired engineering solutions can work in small streams in northern Missouri.

The Arkansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, with support from the Arkansas Fish and Game Commission, is leading research to investigate the effects of commercial harvest on turtle populations and demography across the Delta ecoregion.  Most turtle species are long-lived, mature at advanced ages, and have slow reproduction.

USGS researchers at the Montana Fishery Research Unit are assessing the effectiveness of a nature-like fishway designed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to allow upstream passage of migrating fish past the Huntley irrigation diversion dam on the Yellowstone River, which provides water to 30,000 acres of farmland.

USGS researchers at the Montana Fishery Research Unit are conducting a series of studies assessing prevention of losses of trout into agricultural irrigation diversion canals in the Bitterroot River drainage in collaboration with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

USGS researchers at the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, through research efforts and a strong partnership with Yellowstone National Park the Yellowstone cutthroat trout population has rebounded such that anglers are fishing the lake again, outfitters are booking back-country trips, and grizzly bears are visiting Yellowstone cutthroat trout spawning tribut

We worked on more than 500 individual properties from eight focal areas spread across Nebraska. In total, we conducted more than 110,000 point-surveys that identified in excess of 11,000 cars. We also interviewed more than 7,000 users of publicly accessible lands in Nebraska.

We are currently analyzing the data to understand how users of publicly accessible lands distribute on the landscape in the hopes of helping managers identify effective strategies for providing opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts in Nebraska. The retention and recruitment of hunters is of increasing concern to wildlife management agencies nationwide.

Two researchers are tagging a pronghorn fawn. The team is researching fawn survival and adult females in declining pronghorn populations. 

A wildly popular steelhead fishery significantly contributes to local economies in rural Idaho. A researcher recently completed a set of analyses that will help managers estimate harvest impacts and guide harvest regulations.

Wild capture fisheries depend on healthy populations of the target fish species.  Non-native species can outcompete and reduce biomass of desirable fish and shellfish species.   The Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit lab has tested means to identify the most damaging nonnative species and remove nonnative species from waters.  We

Bass eating a fish. Standard sampling of data and processes has advanced science and industry.

Freshwater fish (yellow perch, bluegill sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, largemouth bass) in a net. Healthy fish populations require suitable habitat.  We have studied the habitat requirements of many fish species to provide information to managers how they can best manage in-stream flow and habitat to favor production of the fish(es) of interest.

Wild capture fisheries depend on healthy populations of the target fish species.  Non-native species can outcompete and reduce biomass of desirable fish and shellfish species.  The Arizona Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit lab has tested means to identify the most damaging nonnative species and remove nonnative species from waters.  We have

Researcher is holding a largemouth bass.

The Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) has been extirpated from portions of its native range due to anthropogenic habitat degradation and fragmentation, most notably the impoundment of rivers.

Researcher surveying for wolves in Idaho. Gray wolves play a significant role in local economies by attracting tourists and maintaining health ecosystems, which benefits hunting, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Gray wolves play a significant role in local economies by attracting tourists and maintaining health ecosystems, which benefits hunting, fishing, and outdoor enthusiasts. Gray wolves also have spiritual and cultural significance for many people. As a keystone species, wolves are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems.