Fisheries Research

In other areas, habitats have been degraded by activities inside or outside of the park, and the focus is on restoration. Because the factors affecting aquatic habitat often transcend NPS boundaries habitat restoration is frequently conducted in partnership with States, Tribes, other Federal agencies, and private entities. Aquatic habitat restoration projects have included improving stream access for salmon and steelhead; recreating cover and woody debris in streams; reestablishing natural stream bed channels and meanders; dam removal, culvert replacements, and stream bank erosion control; and the removal and control of invasive riparian vegetation such as tamarisk.

NPS encourages and funds studies in support of the science-based conservation of native fish and sustainable fisheries. Studies of fish population dynamics, community health, aquatic habitat condition and related areas are funded on a competitive basis through the Natural Resources Program Center. Some studies are conducted in cooperation with State and other Federal partners, universities or through private contractors. Independent research compatible with NPS policies and objectives are encouraged and managed through a permit system.