About Us
Since 1871 the National Fish Hatchery system has been at work improving recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species that are in decline, at risk, and are important to the health of our aquatic systems. Across the country the network of National Fish Hatcheries work with states and tribes to conserve, restore and enhance the fish and aquatic resources of America for future generations.
Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery (NFH) was established in 1911 and operates in the southeastern United States. It is a warm-water facility that collaborates with a wide variety of partners, including other federal and state natural resource agencies, local governments, universities, landowners, community organizations and others. Current hatchery species consist of redbreast, bluegills, lake sturgeon, American shad, striped bass, channel catfish, gopher frogs and the Carolina heelsplitter mussel.
Our Mission
Since 1871, National Fish Hatcheries have been applying science-based approaches to conservation challenges. We work with our partners and engage the public to conserve, restore, and enhance fish and other aquatic resources for the continuing benefit of the American people. Conservation is at the heart of what we do, and we recognize that we do this work for the American people–both the present generation who benefit today and future generations who will inherit our legacy of conserving America’s aquatic resources.
Orangeburg NFH is dedicated to supporting the conservation, protection and enhancement of locally, regionally and/or nationally significant aquatic populations through augmentation or enhancement stockings of genetically appropriate aquatic animal species, in collaboration with our stakeholders, for the benefit of the American people.
Our History
Orangeburg NFH is a 250-acre U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) facility located outside the city limits of Orangeburg, South Carolina. Established and constructed in the 1911 to provide warm-water fish for stocking in lakes and ponds, Orangeburg NFH now plays a key role in the Service's efforts to protect and restore declining and imperiled populations of migratory fish and other aquatic species of variety of watersheds.