The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for protecting, conserving, and enhancing the nation’s fish and wildlife resources. Its work includes marine mammal protection, wildlife law enforcement, migratory species protection, and ecological and wildlife assistance to other agencies, states, and nations. Florida manatees are protected, and all coastal National Wildlife Refuges provide excellent manatee habitat and good places to view manatees in their natural habitat. The National Wildlife Refuge System puts wildlife first by managing a national network of lands and waters for fish, wildlife, and plants, conserving and restoring wildlife habitats and ecosystems, maintaining biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health, protecting migratory birds, and providing wildlife-dependent outdoor recreation opportunities, environmental education, and outreach. The J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island was created to protect and enhance feeding, nesting, and roosting areas for migratory birds, to protect endangered and threatened species, and to protect the island’s pristine wildlife habitat. The refuge is known for its abundant bird life.

Florida · United States