Infrastructure planning, design and construction that protects fish and aquatic habitats, and that meets state, local and federal requirements is a priority of oil and gas companies operating on the North Slope. Owl Ridge fisheries biologists conduct fish sampling in streams throughout the open-water season across a large area of the Arctic Coastal Plain to document seasonal fish use of small streams to large rivers and lakes in potential project areas on the North Slope, including in the National Petroleum Reserve – Alaska.

Owl Ridge also conducts bathymetric and fish sampling surveys in lakes to estimate water volumes and to identify fish populations using each lake. These data are used to support temporary water use applications to ensure that any water withdrawal from lakes is conducted in a manner that protects fish and fish habitat and is conducted consistent with state and federal policies and required operating procedures.