Federal Agency Programs in Living Aquatic Resources and Aquatic Habitat Protection

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Council on Environmental Quality

Activities Related to Living Aquatic Resources. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) participates in the Interagency Committee for the Antarctic Treaty, the International Whaling Commission Interagency Committee, and an interagency committee on Arctic Policy. CEQ participates for policy or coordination purposes, as the environmental branch of the Executive Office of the President. CEQ has a statutory role in the selection process of Marine Mammal Commissioners.

Statutory Authority. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S. C. 1361 et seq.) .

Ten- Year History of Budget and Personnel Levels . Not separately identified.

Five-Year History of Personnel by Civil Service Grade. Not separately identified.

National Policy or Goals Studies.

Horowitz, Elinor L. Our Nation's Wetlands, an interagency task force report, 1979. 70 p. (Library copies may be inspected at CEQ Offices)

Interagency and State-Federal Coordination Mechanisms. Ad hoc interagency committee participation.

Periodic or Annual Reports. Available from: CEQ directly or from GPO.

Environmental Quality, annual report of the Council on Environmental Quality.

Office of Management and Budget

Activities Related to Living Aquatic Resources. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reviews Federal funding and other resources directed to fishery programs, the regulations proposed to be promulgated in this area, and the legislation proposed for fishery activities. Ad hoc activities attempt to minimize duplication of effort by Federal agencies and to ensure that only fishery activities appropriate for Federal involvement are conducted.

Statutory Authority. Not identified.

Ten-Year History of Budget and Personnel Levels. Not separately identified.

Five-Year History of Personnel by Civil Service Grade. Minimal -- Several employees spend some of their time.

National Policy or Goals Studies. None

Interagency and State-Federal Coordination Mechanisms. Comments solicited from agencies on proposed regulations or legislation. Differences of opinion are worked out, sometimes through meetings with interested agencies. Informal consultations with agency personnel are conducted by OMB budget examiners to be certain that fishery functions are appropriately funded.

Periodic or Annual Reports. None

Office of the United States Trade Representative

Activities Related to Living Aquatic Resources. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (OUSTR) serves primarily to coordinate interagency conferences on bilateral commercial fishery negotiations and agreements. OUSTR also serves as intermediary between other agencies and the Office of the President when requests requiring Presidential action (e.g., International Trade Commission investigations) are proposed.

Statutory Authority. Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (19 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.), as amended.

Ten-Year History of Budget and Personnel Levels. Not separately identified.

Five-Year History of Personnel by Civil Service Grade. Not separately identified.

National Policy or Goals Studies. None

Interagency and State-Federal Coordination Mechanisms. As explained in the description of responsibilities above, most of OUSTR's living aquatic resources activities involve coordination of various Federal agencies.

Periodic or Annual Reports. None

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Research Service

Activities Related to Living Aquatic Resources. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) conducts specific research on some of the major problems of the farm aquaculture industry. Research is conducted at eight locations with the following objectives: (1) determine cause of off-flavors in catfish, (2) improve productivity, disease resistance, and quality of catfish through genetics and breeding, (3) develop efficient production systems for catfish, (4) develop DNA-based diagnostic health management systems, (5) develop systems to improve water use and effluent quality, and (6) develop diets based on grains for efficient shrimp production. Production problems of national importance are identified for research at workshops.

Statutory Authority. Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, Subtitle L -Aquaculture (7 U.S.C. 3321 et seq.); National Aquaculture Act of 1980, as amended (16 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.).

Ten-Year History of Budget and Personnel Level.

Five-Year History of Personnel by Civil Service Grade. Not separately identified.

National Policy or Goals Studies. Available from Henry S. Parker, Director, Office of Aquaculture, USDA-Cooperative State Research Service, 342 Aerospace Center, Ag Box 2260, Washington, DC 20250-2260.

National Aquaculture Development Plan. Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture of the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology. 2 volumes. September 1983.

Interagency and State-Federal Coordination Mechanisms. Contractual CAs have been negotiated between ARS and several State universities for specific research activities.

Periodic or Annual Reports. Animal Research Progress Reports.

Cooperative State Research Service

Activities Related to Living Aquatic Resources. The Cooperative State Research Service (CSRS) administers funds appropriated by Congress for aquaculture research carried out by the State agricultural experiment stations, the 1890 land-grant institutions and Tuskegee University, and other cooperating institutions.

Statutory Authority. National Aquaculture Act of 1980, as amended (16 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.); Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, Subtitle L - Aquaculture, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3321 et seq.).

Ten-Year History of Budget and Personnel Levels. Funds support extramural research at cooperating institutions. Federal staffing is 3.0 FTEs.

Five-Year History of Personnel by Civil Service Grade. Funds support extramural research involving scientists associated with cooperating institutions. From 1990-1994, Federal staffing for administration of these programs has been 2.0 FTEs (GM-15). Since 1994, staffing has been 2.0 FTEs (GM-15) and 1.0 FTE (GS-12).

National Policy or Goals Studies. Available from Henry S. Parker, Director, Office of Aquaculture, USDA-CSRS, 342 Aerospace Center, Ag Box 2260, Washington, DC 20250-2260.

a) National Aquaculture Development Plan . Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture of the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology. 2 volumes. September 1983.

b) Aquaculture in the United States: Status, Opportunities, and Recommendations. JSA Report to the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology, June 1993.

Interagency and State-Federal Coordination Mechanisms. The USDA coordinates its aquaculture activities with other Federal agencies through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture (JSA) of the National Science and Technology Council in the Office of Science and Technology Policy. USDA chairs the JSA. The USDA Aquaculture Program Coordinator coordinates aquaculture programs in USDA. National and regional coordination of aquaculture programs in USDA is through the National Coordinating Council in cooperation with the USDA Regional Aquaculture Centers.

Periodic or Annual Reports. Annual progress reports of the Regional Aquaculture Centers. Periodic progress reports to the National Science and Technology Council by the JSA.

Extension Service and State Cooperative Extension Service (3)

Activities Related to Living Aquatic Resources. Extension activities conducted by the Extension Service (ES) and the State Cooperative Extension Service (CES) include aquaculture and related recreational and sport fishery management and conservation activities, primarily in freshwater. The Cooperative Extension System (combined Federal and State programs) uses research-based knowledge and new technologies from the land grant universities, USDA, and other programs to develop and deliver educational programs relevant to society to help landowners, managers, and end-users implement improved practices and make sound decisions for increased productivity, long-term economic and environmental sustainability, and quality of life.

Statutory Authority. Smith-Lever Act of 1914, as amended (7 U.S.C. 341 et seq.); Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1671 et seq.); National Aquaculture Act of 1980, as amended (16 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.); Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198, Title 14, Subtitle L - Aquaculture, and Title 17, Subtitle D - National Aquaculture Improvement Act of 1985); Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, (P.L. 101-624, Subtitle L -Aquaculture, and §1475 - Research and Extension).

Ten-Year History of Budget and Personnel Levels. From FY1990 through FY1994, approximately 1.5 FTEs within ES have been dedicated to aquaculture and fisheries. Currently, State CESs are expending about 100 FTEs for aquaculture and fisheries. This has increased substantially during the past 10 years. Funding for these efforts is shared among Federal, State, and county sources, with the Federal portion predominantly from Smith-Lever Act funds. Since 1982, a small amount of Federal funding for recreational fishery management educational programs has come from the Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978 program.

In September 1990, ES added 1.0 FTE for primarily aquaculture-related activities. Appropriations for the USDA Regional Aquaculture Center program have increased from $3 million in FY1987 to $4 million in FY1994. These Centers provide funding for regional research, extension, and demonstration projects.

Five-Year History of Personnel by Civil Service Grade. From FY1990 through FY1994, 1.5 FTEs at GM-14 and -15 have been involved. In September 1990, 1.0 FTE at the GM-14 level was added.

National Policy or Goals Studies. Available from James Miller and Gary Jensen, USDA-Extension Service, Ag Box 0916, Washington, DC 20250-0916.

a) USDA Statement of Aquaculture Policy, Secretary's Memorandum No. 2108, July 3, 1980.

b) USDA Fish and Wildlife Policy, Department Regulation 9500-4, August 22, 1983.

c) National Aquaculture Development Plan. Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture of the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology. 2 volumes. September 1983.

d) USDA Science and Education Aquaculture Strategic Plan, 1994 (approval pending).

e) National Science and Technology Council, Subcommittee on Aquaculture, Strategic Implementation Plan, 1994 (draft).

Interagency and State-Federal Coordination Mechanisms. General MOUs provide for coordination between ES, Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service (DOC), and FWS (DOI) programs. Similar MOUs and, in some cases, CAs exist between FWS and State/Territory CESs. Several State CESs also have MOUs or CAs with their State fish and wildlife resource agency or other State agencies concerning aquaculture/fishery educational programs. These mechanisms aim to encourage and facilitate cooperation and coordination and to strengthen the capability of providing educational information/technology transfer on aquaculture/fisheries .

The Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture was reauthorized under the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990. It serves as a Federal coordinating body to increase the overall effectiveness of Federal aquaculture research, technology transfer, and assistance programs. It now reports to the National Science and Technology Council as the Subcommittee on Aquaculture.

Periodic or Annual Reports. Although a number of excellent summary reports are produced by State CESs on aquaculture/fisheries, there are no regular Extension reports specifically on aquaculture/fishery programs and activities.

Farmers Home Administration

Activities Related to Living Aquatic Resources. The Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) provides loans and technical assistance to eligible farmers for farm-related purposes which include the purchase of equipment and facilities to produce fish, mollusks, or crustaceans under controlled conditions (i.e., aquaculture).

Statutory Authority. Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act of 1961, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.).

Ten-Year History of Budget and Personnel Levels. No staff positions or separately identifiable funding are associated with these aquaculture loans.

Five-Year History of Personnel by Civil Service Grade. No staff positions are devoted exclusively to the granting of aquaculture loans.

National Policy or Goals Studies. None

Interagency and State-Federal Coordination Mechanisms. The Farmers Home Administration coordinates its aquaculture activities with other Federal agencies through the Joint Subcommittee on Aquaculture of the Federal Coordinating Council on Science, Engineering, and Technology.

Periodic or Annual Reports. None

U.S. Forest Service

Activities Related to Living Aquatic Resources. Fishery and aquatic habitat activities related to national forests are conducted in separate research and management components. The anadromous fishery research program was initiated in 1975 as part of the Western Anadromous Fish Habitat Program of the Forest Service (FS). Smaller cold water fish habitat research programs are conducted in the Southwest and southern Appalachian Mountains. The FS has the responsibility to maintain and improve fishery habitat in national forests and grasslands, consistent with overall multiple-use objectives. The FS fishery and aquatic ecology program provides technical expertise to protect, restore, and enhance opportunities for use and enjoyment of aquatic ecosystems that include about 2 million acres of reservoirs, lakes, and ponds; and nearly 200,000 miles of perennial streams. Estimated angler expenditures of more than $2.2 billion generate almost $6.5 billion in economic output annually and provide about 121,000 full- and part-time jobs. The FS monitors fish habitat and populations to identify significant changes, determine the causes, and adjust management activities.

Statutory Authority. Both management and research -- Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.). Management -- Organic Administration Act of 1897; Title III of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act of 1937; Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960, as amended (16 U.S.C. 528 et seq.). Research -- Act of Sept. 21, 1944, ch. 412 (7 U.S.C. 2250), P.L. 89-106 (7 U.S. C. 450i), Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 1281 note and 7 U.S.C. 3221, 3291), Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 1641 et seq.), and Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.).

Ten-Year History of Budget and Personnel Levels. Fishery habitat research is funded within the "Forest Environment Research" budget line item. Fishery management is primarily funded from the "Inland Fish," "Anadromous Fish," and "Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species (TES)" expanded budget line items. Total fishery funds, as such, cannot be specifically identified. Best estimates for funding, using the final allocated budget figures for each year, exclusive of TES funds, are provided. FTE data for management biologists are shown.

Five-Year History of Personnel by Civil Service Grade. Approximate levels of full-time, permanent employees in fishery-related activities for the past five years are provided separately for research and management:

National Policy or Goals Studies. Publications a-j available from: Fishery Program Leader, Forest Service, (202) 205-1205; publications k-1 available from Resources Program and Assessment, Forest Service, (202) 205-1235.

a) Rise to the Future: Action Plan for the '90s, 1991.

b) Forest Service Manual (Sections FSM 2526 and 2600-2680).

c) Fisheries Program Accomplishment Report, 1993.

d) Fishing for Ideas, Fisheries and the Aquatic Ecology Program, 1994

e) Forest Service Fish Habitat and Aquatic Ecosystem Research, USDA Forest Service Publication FS-556. September 1993.

f) Cycle of the Salmon, Saving Our Heritage. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Undated.

g) National Assessment of Fisheries Research Needs, 1991.

h) Recreational Fishery Policy, 1990.

i) Fishing Your National Forests, Forest Service Publication FS-546. May 1993.

j) PACFISH Strategy, 1994.

k) RPA Assessment of the Forest and Rangeland Situation in the United States, 1993 Update (Resources Planning Act), Forest Resources Report No. 27.

l) The Forest Service Program for Forest and Rangeland Resources: A Long-Term Strategic Plan, Recommended 1990 RPA Program.

Interagency and State-Federal Coordination Mechanisms. Individual MOUs coordinate Forest Service research with FWS and the Bureau of Land Management. Individual Forest Service Experiment Stations have MOUs involving cooperative research agreements with major universities. Professional contacts and workshops facilitate on-the-ground coordination among various other Federal and State fishery personnel.

Cooperative management relations with States in which national forests are located are covered by MOUs. In addition, CAs are entered into with States under authority of the Sikes Act of 1960 (16 U.S.C. 670 et seq.) to reach mutual agreement on goals, objectives, and habitat management programs. These agreements with States are discussed in Forest Service Manual Section FSM 2611.

An Alaska Working Group on Cooperative Forestry-Fisheries Research includes representation from the U.S. Forest Service, NMFS, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and FWS. This group facilitates interagency research coordination of issues involving timber and fish.

IAs for cooperative management with FWS have been negotiated under the authorities of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.), and others. These IAs are discussed in Forest Service Manual Section FSM 2613. Other important MOUs relating to aquatic habitat exist with EPA and NMFS. Specific copies of MOUs and IAs relating to aquatic habitat are presented in Forest Service Manual Sections FSM 1530-1539.

Participative management relations with national, regional, and local fishery conservation organizations are entered into under the authority of Public Law 94-148 (16 U.S.C. 565a-1, -2, -3), the Cooperative Funds and Deposits Act, and Public Law 102-154, the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1992 (Challenge Cost Share). Challenge Cost Share allows the Forest Service to jointly develop, plan, and implement mutually beneficial projects that enhance Forest Service activities when the cooperators provide "matching" funds or "in-kind" contributions. Cooperators may be public and private agencies, organizations, institutions, and individuals. The Cooperative Funds and Deposits Act allows the Forest Service to enter into agreements for developing, publishing, and disseminating environmental education material. Agreements currently exist with Trout Unlimited, Inc., Federation of Fly Fishermen, American Fisheries Society, Berkley Corporation, B.A.S.S., American Sportfishing Association, and many local organizations.

Periodic or Annual Reports.

a) Annual Research Attainment Reports (Pacific Northwest, Pacific Southwest, Intermountain, Rocky Mountain, and Southeastern Experiment Stations).

b) Research Accomplishments (annual report).

c) Wildlife, Fish, and Rare Plant Reporting System Report

d) Annual Management Attainment Report

e) Annual Fisheries Program Accomplishment Report

f) Program Budget Management Information (regional allocations of habitat improvement targets, funds to support fish habitat improvement programs, and funds to provide fishery support for other management activities to mitigate harm to fisheries)

(Items a, b, and d are available from: Program Development and Budget, Forest Service, (202) 205-0987; Items c, e, and f are available from: Robert Nelson, Director of Wildlife and Fisheries, USDA - Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090)

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Activities Related to Living Aquatic Resources. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), formerly the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), provides ecosystem-based assistance by NRCS biologists and other employees to landowners and land users in cooperation with local soil and water conservation districts.

Wetlands - The 1985 and 1990 Farm Bills included a wetland conservation provision that strongly encourages landowners and land users to retain existing wetlands or to restore wetlands that were converted to agricultural uses prior to 1985. Wetlands are those lands lying between upland and deepwater habitats. NRCS biologists assist in determining the boundaries of wetlands related to agricultural uses and make determinations about fish-spawning habitats, waterfowl-nesting habitats, shorebird-feeding habitats, and other wildlife benefits associated with wetlands.

The wetland conservation provisions of the 1985 Farm Bill (Food Security Act) and the 1990 Farm Bill (Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act) resulted in a dramatic reduction of wetland losses from more than 300,000 acres per year prior to 1985 to less than 100,000 acres per year in 1994. NRCS biologists and other employees helped initiate the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) in 1993. This program was conducted in nine pilot States and was highly successful in restoring wetlands on private lands through permanent protective restrictions. The WRP was expanded to 20 States in 1994 and encompasses all States in 1995.

Additionally, NRCS biologists and other employees help landowners and land users with the design of "constructed wetlands" for various uses, including water quality improvement, wetland-wildlife habitat, and nutrient/sediment storage.

Riparian Areas - NRCS biologists and other employees assist landowners and land users in riparian areas (lands adjoining surface water courses and waterbodies). Riparian areas act as nutrient and sediment traps and help to protect the quality of water in adjoining lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers. NRCS helps landowners and land users to employ practices that maintain or improve aquatic habitats, including riparian streambank and shoreline protection, critical area plantings, and stream improvements for fisheries.

The 1985 Farm Bill authorized the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) that paid farmers to retire cropland for a 10-year contract period. In 1988, the CRP allowed grass or tree strips 66-99 feet wide bordering waterways to be enrolled in the program. These lands were usually in riparian zones and this action helped to protect the quality of adjoining surface waters.

Fish Habitat and Aquaculture - NRCS biologists and other employees provide assistance to landowners and land users by: (1) conducting soil and water resource assessments to determine the feasibility of constructing sport fish ponds or commercial fish and shellfish aquacultural facilities (ponds, raceways, pens, or cages); (2) designing and locating ponds or facilities; (3) providing technical information on fish/shellfish stocking rates, sources of brood stock, fish/shellfish management, proper water quality protection and maintenance, and basic information on feeding and producing fish and shellfish in aquacultural systems; (4) assessing aquatic weed or fish/shellfish population problems and recommending solutions; and (5) conducting inventories and evaluations of fish and shellfish populations and their habitats.

Statutory Authority. Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act of 1935 (16 U.S.C. 590a-590f); Flood Control Act of 1936 (33 U.S.C. 701a,b); Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act of 1954 (16 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.); Food Security Act of 1985 (P.L. 99-198); Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-624).

Ten-Year History of Budget and Personnel Levels. The living aquatic resources portion of NRCS programs is not separately identified. The best estimate of current assistance to living aquatic resources is 1,600 staff years (1,520 staff years by NRCS employees other than biologists and 80 staff years by NRCS biologists).

Five-Year History of Personnel by Civil Service Grade. For the last five years, NRCS has maintained approximately 100 GS-11 and GS-12 biologists that spend about 85 percent of their time assisting with the use and management of living aquatic resources. Other NRCS employees, such as soil conservationists (GS 7-11) and engineers (GS 11-12), assist in these activities to about 20 percent of their time.

National Policy or Goals Studies. National Resources Inventory (NRI) is a "snapshot" of resource conditions in the United States during a one-year growing season. Resources Conservation Act Appraisal (RCA) describes the conditions and trends of the soil and water resources and related resources on non-Federal lands of the United States. The NRI and RCA are conducted at 5-year intervals by NRCS.

Interagency and State-Federal Coordination Mechanisms. NRCS biologists and other employees work with many Federal, State, and local agencies to provide ecosystem-based assistance for living aquatic resources. NRCS works closely with soil and water conservation districts and State fish and wildlife and environmental agencies to execute its mandated programs.

Periodic or Annual Reports. The NRCS does not regularly publish reports concerning assistance to aquatic-related resources. However, aquatic resource information is incorporated into the RCA and NRI reports.

Rural Development Administration, Cooperative Services

Activities Related to Living Aquatic Resources. Cooperative Services (CS) provides technical assistance to cooperatives, including aquatic producers and groups of producers interested in organizing cooperatives to either market their products or purchase needed input supplies or both. Research on cooperative aquatic organizations is done periodically.

Statutory Authority. Co-operative Marketing Act of 1926 (7 U.S.C. 451 et seq.); Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.).

Ten-Year History of Budget and Personnel Levels. No staff positions or separately identifiable funds are associated with aquatic activities.

Five-Year History of Personnel by Civil Service Grade. No staff positions are associated with aquatic activities.

National Policy or Goals Studies. None

Interagency and State-Federal Coordination Mechanisms. None

Periodic or Annual Reports. None