Department of Fish and Wildlife Scientific Integrity Policy

In order to guide the scientific work by the Department and pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 715(d), the Department adopts this scientific integrity policy, to ensure integrity and public confidence in our scientific work.

This Scientific Integrity Policy (Policy) affirms the standards for high quality and ethical scientific inquiry within the Department. Given the vital role of science in the management of natural resources, the Department endeavors to maintain and strengthen its commitment to scientific information that is developed and used according to the highest professional standards. These efforts are essential to maintaining the confidence of the public and other stakeholders, and to enhance the reputation of the Department’s scientific programs, policies and staff. Furthermore, the Department is committed to providing an environment that encourages and supports the conduct, communication, and transparency of excellent science. In support of the above, this Policy is to be considered as the collective guiding principles for all scientific endeavors within the Department.

The purposes of this Policy are:

To foster the development and use of high quality scientific work that is used to inform policy and management within the Department as well as decisions of the Fish and Game Commission.

To ensure that the public and decision makers have access to the scientific methodology and analyses behind the Department’s policy positions.

This Policy is intended to provide overarching guidance through the standards and protocols listed below. Guidance documents may be added, changed or removed from the list by the Director (or designee), as needed to remain current and relevant.