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November/December, 2003

Clam Palace Gets Much Needed Upgrades

Floor drains are a new addition to the "Clam palace"

Started on a shoestring budget in 1999, the Genoa National Fish Hatchery's mussel propagation building has always emphasized function over fashion. But this year, the clam palace (as it is affectionately known in mussel circles) is receiving much-needed upgrades to its water supply, work areas, and floor drain systems.

This December, a contract was let to install a new groundwater well to supply the building with disease free, constant temperature well water. This water will also be free of predators, which currently cause quite significant losses to the program by feeding on the microscopic mussel juveniles. These predators are common in pond water, the current water source available in the building. The groundwater source will not have to be filtered or disinfected to remove predators and pathogens harmful to fish and mussels. This constant water supply will also allow the station to hold fish over winter to be used in the following spring's mussel propagation activities.Skip navigation links

Station personnel are also improving the mussel building by finishing the floor drains for the building so that proper disinfection protocol can be followed. Wooden benches that currently were used as workspace where upwards of 10,000 host fish were infested with 2.5 million mussel glochidia will be replaced as well. Wood is difficult to clean and disinfect due to it porous structure, and the dampness of the building causes mold and mildew to invade. The bench will be replaced with easy cleaning plate aluminum. The crew is hoping to complete the remodeling, and have the building plumbed and put back together in plenty of time for next spring's cooperative host fish infestation season.

— Doug Aloisi

Aquaculture Class Tours Genoa National Fish Hatchery

Thirty-six students and four teachers from the Cochrane-Fountain City school district toured the Genoa National Fish Hatchery on December 4th. The aquaculture class, which consisted of Juniors and Seniors, learned about all aspects of fish culture being carried out on the facility. Although early life stages of fish are not around during the winter months, the class was able to see the 9-10 month old walleye, bass, catfish, and sturgeon which the hatchery maintains throughout the year for spring mussel projects.

In addition to warmwater species, the students were able to see many coldwater species at the hatchery. Many of them found the coaster brook trout program very interesting as well as the 20,000 hungry rainbows in one of the outdoor ponds. There was also some three day old lake trout sac fry for the class to see. The tour ended in the "Clam Palace," where the hatchery's mussel propagation program is located.

Nick Starzl giving tour to the aquaculture class

The students were able to observe many mussel species along with a description of the mussel life cycle. Career and volunteer opportunities were discussed to the group after the tour. The Genoa National Fish Hatchery is located 30 minutes south of Lacrosse, WI along Hwy 35. Tours may be scheduled anytime throughout the year by calling 608-689-2605.

— Nick Starzl

Lake Sturgeon Restoration Program Expanded at Genoa NFH

Restoration efforts for several populations of Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) are scheduled for a "boost" during 2004 with the construction of additional culture facilities at Genoa National Fish Hatchery.

The lake sturgeon, once widespread throughout Region 3, has experienced large reductions in population and range across the U.S. during the last century. Factors such as habitat destruction, fish passage, and over fishing have all contributed to range wide declines of this ancient species. Recent federal, tribal, and state initiatives within Regions 3, 4, and 5 have shed light on these significant losses and have begun the long process of restoring this fish as a viable component to several fish communities. Genoa NFH has been involved with lake sturgeon restoration since the mid-1990’s, starting with efforts on the Menominee Indian Nation in Northeastern Wisconsin. Over the last ten years the program has expanded to include stockings in the Mississippi and Red river drainages involving three states, two Native American tribes, and one First Nations tribe of Canada.

The inside view showing some of the culture tanks.

Outside view of Genoa's new Sturgeon building.

In addition to fish produced on the facility, the hatchery provides fertilized eggs to other National Fish Hatcheries and federal research programs. This current expansion will add additional culture space to a burgeoning program and allow increased production capabilities to fulfill management objectives of federal and cooperator agencies. Resources for this project have been provided by a Fisheries Operational Needs (FONS) project funded for FY2004. Monies from this initiative will fund the construction of additional culture facilities and the purchasing of equipment.

— Roger Gordon

Upper Mississippi River Fisheries Friends Group Featured by Local Paper

The Friends Group of the Upper Mississippi River Fisheries Stations was represented in a feature article in the Vernon County Broadcaster this past week. President John Derrickson described the group as a local support group comprised of local citizens and business people anxious to promote fisheries conservation, and the three Fish and Wildlife Service fisheries offices located in the area. The article described the goals of the Friends group and also discussed the ongoing Friends Group activities planned for this year, including a youth ice fishing clinic, and a youth fishing clinic/fishing day. The ice fishing clinic is scheduled to be held on the Mississippi River this January, and the youth fishing day at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery this summer.

Friends group's youth fishing day June 2003

The paper also paid a site visit to the Genoa hatchery for a pictorial section, and included information on hatchery history and ongoing FWS fisheries projects as well. The importance of freshwater mussels in the ecosystem received some much-needed coverage. The article raised local awareness of Service activities on the river, and the importance of grass roots efforts in achieving fisheries conservation. You can find the article by visiting the Vernon County Broadcaster's Web site. — Doug Aloisi

For additional information about any of these projects please contact the author at Genoa National Fish Hatchery.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service