Monitoring of the existing status of fish populations is an essential element in evaluating restoration projects, river management, and the associated fish community

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 6 awarded the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission $332,436 on January 1, 2026, under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) to support monitoring of native fish populations on the Missouri River and evaluate the effectiveness of river restoration activities.

The award funds continued data collection and analysis of fish community status across Missouri River segments in Nebraska, with performance through December 31, 2026. This monitoring effort builds on 40 years of accumulated fisheries data used to assess Missouri River restoration projects and habitat management outcomes. The program seeks to restore, protect, and maintain the diversity of historic Missouri River habitats and ecosystem functions while maximizing recreational fishing opportunities for anglers and enhancing fishery resources for fish and wildlife benefit.

Sport Fish Restoration funding derives from excise taxes on motorboat fuel, electric motors, fishing equipment, and import duties on fishing tackle and yachts, with revenues apportioned annually to state fish and wildlife agencies under a legislatively established formula. The award is structured as a formula grant, the standard assistance type under this program.

This project has supported the collection of 40 years of data to evaluate the missouri river restoration activities. The goal of the program is to, ?restore, protect, and maintain the diversity of historic missouri river habitats, resources, and ecosystem functions in order that present and future generations may enjoy consumptive and non-consumptive outdoor recreational opportunities. This will be accomplished by continued monitoring of the native fish species, to maximize the opportunity for recreational anglers to use the fishery resources of the missouri river, and to enhance these resources for the benefit of fish and anglers.