The survey was distributed to more than 1,400 biologists, ecologists, botanists and other science professionals in Ecological Services field offices across the country. The survey inquired about their opinions of the USFWS’s scientific integrity, as well as political interference, resources and morale.

Apparently, when USFWS officials learned of the survey, they issued a directive to all employees instructing them not to complete the survey, either while on duty or on personal time. Regardless of the gag directive, almost 30 percent of the scientists who were sent the questionnaire completed and returned the survey.

The results of the survey are extremely troubling. Approximately 70 percent of staff scientists and almost 90 percent of scientist managers knew of cases where political appointees injected themselves into Ecological Services determinations. More than half of the scientists knew of cases where commercial interests had gotten scientific decisions reversed or withdrawn through political intervention. One in five agency scientists revealed they have been instructed to compromise their scientific integrity.

The survey also indicates that political intrusion has undermined the service's ability to fulfill its mission of protecting wildlife from extinction. Three out of four staff scientists think that the USFWS is not acting effectively to maintain or enhance species and their habitats, and more than two out of three scientists do not believe the USFWS is effectively helping endangered species recover.

The survey also indicated significant discouragement of discussion and debate. Around a third of respondents noted that they felt they could not openly express scientific concerns in public or within the agency without fear of retaliation. Indeed, the directive instructing scientists not to respond to the survey appears to be a clear indication that the USFWS officials are not interested in listening to or considering points of view they disagree with.