PURPOSES.

SEC. 104. PURPOSES. The purposes for which the refuge is established are— (1) to conserve, protect, and enhance the Connecticut River valley populations of Atlantic salmon, American shad, river herring, shortnosed sturgeon, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, osprey, black ducks, and other native species of plants, fish, and wildlife; (2) to conserve, protect, and enhance the natural diversity and abundance of plant, fish, and wildlife species and the ecosystems upon which these species depend within the refuge; (3) to protect species listed as endangered or threatened, or identified as candidates for listing, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); (4) to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of wetlands and other waters within the refuge; (5) to fulfill the international treaty obligations of the United States relating to fish and wildlife and wetlands; and (6) to provide opportunities for scientific research, environmental education, and fish and wildlife-oriented recreation and access to the extent compatible with the other purposes stated in this section.