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Fisheries Management

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The Fisheries Management Branch conducts annual surveys and studies of migratory and resident fish in the District waterways. This data is used to estimate populations and determine age and growth trends of the District's fish species. The information gathered helps managers make informed resource decisions to assess water quality conditions and the state of aquatic habitats. 

Current areas of research include:

  • Anadromous Fish
  • Resident Fish
  • Ichthyoplankton
  • Age and Growth Studies
  • Habitat Monitoring & Evaluation
  • Angler Surveys Wildlife
  • Wildlife Management Branch

A main objective of the program is to provide suitable fish habitat to increase the number and diversity of fish in the waters of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers in the District.

Under this program collection of biological data is taken on the fishes, as well as surveys of anglers to provide managers with information on angling effort, fish harvest, species popularity, demographics, angler expenditure, and other parameters. The angler surveys allow detection of trends in recreational usage of the fisheries resources in the District and provide other information required for successful management of resources.

Fisheries Research

The District of Columbia's recreational fishery includes a variety of fish species. It is necessary to obtain detailed and accurate information on stock levels and reproductive potential of the existing fish populations in order to manage these resources.

Annual monitoring provides a ready reference for implementation of fisheries regulations and other management decisions. To keep the database complete, a fishery survey is conducted monthly to help determine seasonal occurrences, relative abundance, size, and age of fishes. The data is collected and coordinated with physical and hydrographic parameters to provide a understanding of distribution as it relates to environmental conditions.

Contacting Us

For more information, please call 202-535-2260. School groups and members of the public interested in learning more about DC’s fish and other aquatic life may be interested in visiting our Aquatic Resources Education Center.

Contact TTY: 
711