Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is a federal agency within the United States Department of the Interior. Its primary mission is the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

Usage

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for enforcing federal wildlife laws, managing national wildlife refuges, protecting endangered species, and restoring fish populations.
• A primary duty of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is to administer the Endangered Species Act.
• Developers must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assess a project's potential impact on local habitats.

Advanced Usage

• "To fall under the purview of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service": To be within the official scope of responsibility or authority of the agency.
  • The protection of migratory birds falls under the purview of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• "A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge/agent/biologist": Using the agency's name attributively to describe its facilities or personnel.
  • The decision was made by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist after a year of study.

Variants and Related Words

• USFWS: The common acronym for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • According to the latest USFWS report, the wolf population has stabilized.
• Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): A shortened, informal name often used in context.
  • The permit must be approved by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Synonyms

• Federal wildlife agency: A general descriptive term.
• The Service: A common informal reference within conservation and government contexts (e.g., "He works for The Service").

Related Terms and Concepts

• Endangered Species Act: A key law enforced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• National Wildlife Refuge System: A network of public lands and waters managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Department of the Interior: The parent department of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Conservation agency: A general term for organizations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, focused on protection and management of natural resources.

Noun

1. an agency in the Department of the Interior that conserves and protects fish and wildlife and their habitats; assesses the environmental impact of pesticides and nuclear power site and hydroelectric dams and thermal pollution