Projects and Research

Learn more about how we are helping to restore and sustain important fish and other aquatic species for the benefit of the American people.

American shad production at the North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery

American shad propagation began in 2006 at the hatchery and in 2008, produced its first volitional spawned Shad for the Charles River in Boston. In 2010, Shad production began for the Pawcatuck River. The Pawtuxet River was added to the propagation efforts in 2012. In 2022, the hatchery began producing larval American Shad for the Taunton River.  

Brook trout production at the North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery

Brook trout production began in 2014 and continues to this day. We supply eastern brook trout for local fishing events. The hatchery raises and maintains three year classes of the "Sandwich strain" of eastern brook trout, and distributes the fish to state partners for recreational fishing programs. The origin of this strain is the state hatchery in Montague, Massachusetts and various local streams in western Massachusetts. The strain is registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Strain Registry.