broodstock

In biology, broodstock refers to the reproductively mature adults in a population that breed (or spawn) and produce more individuals (offspring or progeny).

National Broodstock Program’s Egg Distribution Service

The National Fish Hatchery System runs a National Broodstock Program that provides about 60 million fish eggs  to our partners every year. The eggs and resulting fish are used to support recreational fishing, produce fish to mitigate habitat loss due to dam construction, support Tribal fisheries, provide a disease-free source of eggs to make forage fish for endangered species recovery programs and support fisheries research. Our specialized broodstock hatcheries maintain gene pools of distinct species and strains, many of which are no longer available in the wild.

150 Years. National Fish Hatchery System.” in front of glossy orange eggs against a white background.
The National Fish Hatchery System works to support healthy, self-sustaining populations of fish and other aquatic species across the country. Every year we raise and stock over 100 million fish to support the recovery and restoration of imperiled species, recreational fishing, and Tribal...