Projects and Research

Since 1871, National Fish Hatcheries have been pivotal in addressing conservation challenges impacting America's fish and other aquatic species. The production of fish and various aquatic organisms remains an essential strategy for managing and restoring fisheries, while also supporting habitat conservation efforts. Our hatcheries not only contribute to the sustainability of fish populations but also play a vital role in maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems across the nation.

The Ozark hellbender is an endangered aquatic species and was listed in September 2011under the Endangered Species Act. Conservation projects are underway to restore the Ozark hellbender population. In partnership with our Ecological Services Division and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission we build and supply artificial nesting boxes for the Ozark hellbender.  The known river habitat where Ozark hellbenders reproduce has declined in the Spring and Eleven Point rivers, so these nesting boxes are placed in those areas to increase the chances of reproductive success and enhance the recovery of the species.   

The speckled pocketbook mussel is an endangered mussel and was listed as endangered in February 1989 under the Endangered Species Act.  We work in close collaboration with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to stabilize and increase numbers of the speckled pocketbook mussel and other imperiled mussels found in the Little Red River watershed.  Each spring we set out mussel cages in Greers Ferry Lake to produce mussels. The cages hold host fish that have larval mussels attached to their gills. Once the mussel develops and is no longer dependent on the fish, it drops off into a sand-filled tray at the bottom of the cage. The young mussels use the sand as their temporary home, consuming the natural food available and once they reach a target size they are collected to fulfil continued efforts to enhance the recovery of the  species.