Projects and Research

National Fish Hatcheries raise fish and other aquatic species – like crayfish and mussels - to help restore and sustain important fish and other aquatic species for the benefit of the American people. Freshwater mussels play very important roles in our rivers and lakes filtering the water and creating habitat for fish and aquatic insects fish like to eat. With declining fish populations and declining freshwater mussel populations becoming prevalent across the world, fish hatchery operations are important than ever. 

Willow Beach National Fish Hatchery is part of a national effort to re-establish populations of native bonytail chub and razorback sucker to the Lower Colorado River. The hatchery has used a variety of fish culture techniques in raising these species over the years, with new system developments currently in use and more in construction. We’re currently making a switch from raising razorback sucker and bonytail chub in semi-recirculating raceways to circular tanks within a semi-recirculating system. These circular tank systems will allow for improved water conservation, provide better visibility for fish culture purposes, and give visitors a closer look at these native species.