The Nation’s Waters Provide Invaluable 

Biological, Social, and Economic Benefi ts 

The Nation’s fi sh and other aquatic 

resources are among the richest 

and most diverse in the world. The 

recreational, commercial, and subsistence 

opportunities these resources provide 

have helped support the Nation’s growth 

by providing enormous ecological, social, 

and economic benefi ts. 

For example, according to the National 

Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and WildlifeAssociated Recreation, recreational 

fi shing contributed over $36 

billion to the American economy 

in 2001. 

The Status of the Nation’s 

Aquatic Systems 

Despite efforts by the Service 

and others to conserve the 

Nation’s aquatic resources, 

a growing number of aquatic 

species are declining at alarming 

rates. More than 400 aquatic 

species either have, or need, 

special protection in some part 

of their natural or historic range. Several 

fi sh species are important recreational, 

subsistence, and commercial species, 

including several species or populations 

of salmon, sturgeon, and trout. 

The reasons for these declines are 

linked largely to habitat loss, pollution, 

watershed modifi cations, sedimentation, 

and the impacts of harmful exotic or 

transplanted species.

Water Quality

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Protecting the Nation’s Waters for the 

Future 

The objective of the Clean Water Act is 

to restore and maintain the chemical, 

physical, and biological integrity of 

the Nation’s waters. Achieving this 

important objective requires the 

cooperation of states, tribes, federal and 

local governments, the private sector, and 

the public. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 

Environmental Contaminants 

Branch works closely with the U. S. 

Environmental Protection Agency and 

other entities in providing our expertise 

in evaluating how water pollutants affect 

fi sh and wildlife and their habitats. Such 

information is critical for developing 

effective water quality standards that 

ensure protection of these valued 

resources and the watersheds that 

support them.

However, sustaining this capability 

nationwide is a daunting task. Currently 

there is an initiative in the Fiscal Year 

2005 budget that would allow the 

Environmental Contaminants Branch to 

increase its capabilities for the benefi t 

of the Nation’s waters and the American 

people.

The Environmental Contaminants 

Branch will continue to work with its 

partners to:

+ Protect the health of aquatic habitats

+ Restore fi sh and other aquatic 

resources

+ Provide opportunities to enjoy the 

benefi ts of healthy aquatic resources.

Continued Commitment to 

Conservation

The Service remains committed to 

its role as a partner in conserving 

America’s aquatic resources. The 

Environmental Contaminants 

Branch will rely on its unique and 

essential resources and capabilities, 

recognizing that sound science and 

solid partnerships will continue 

to be the key to aquatic resource 

stewardship. The Environmental 

Contaminant Branch is committed to 

protect the integrity of our Nation’s 

waters. With your support, you can 

help us achieve this important goal.

A brown bear catching salmon.

USFWS

USFWS

Recreational fi shing.

Environmental Contaminants Branch

Our mission is working with others 

to conserve, protect, and enhance fi sh, 

wildlife, and plants and their habitats 

for the continuing benefi t of the 

American people. 

For more information please contact:

Everett F. Wilson

Chief, Division of Environmental Quality

everett_wilson@fws.gov

or

Greg R. Masson, PhD

Chief, Branch of Environmental 

Contaminants

greg_masson@fws.gov

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 

4401 North Fairfax Drive, #322

Arlington, Virginia 22203

703/358-2148