Warm Springs Fish Technology Center provides leadership in the science-based management of aquatic resources through the development of new concepts, strategies, technologies, and techniques to solve problems and develop innovative efficiencies for hatchery operations and for aquatic resources conservation. The Warm Springs FTC primarily services the South Atlantic-Gulf and Mississippi Basin regions but also works throughout the entire country.

What We Do

The Fish Technology Center was established to improve and enhance management effectiveness by providing consolidated technical operational support to Regional fisheries operations, fish culture technical development, and the Service’s technical assistance to the emerging private aquaculture industry. The Fish Technology Center is comprised of a Cryopreservation Laboratory and the National Fish Strain Registry in Warm Springs, Georgia, and a Conservation Genetics Laboratory located at Auburn University.

Services
Adult Grass carp

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers a triploid grass carp inspection service for natural resource agencies in the United States and in other countries, to help States and others protect their aquatic habitats. The inspection program is to provide assurance to these agencies, and others...

Our Organization

Juvenile Northern Pike in aquarium at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery, South Dakota
The Fish and Aquatic Conservation program leads aquatic conservation efforts for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We are committed to tackling the nation’s highest priority aquatic conservation and recreational challenges to conserve, restore, and enhance fisheries for future generations.
Close up of a California condor. Its pink featherless head contrasts with its black feathers.
We provide national leadership in the recovery and conservation of our nation's imperiled plant and animal species, working with experts in the scientific community to identify species on the verge of extinction and to build the road to recovery to bring them back. We work with a range of public...
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...

Our Species

Warm Springs Fish Technology Center is working with federal, state, and agency partners to provide management support of inter-jurisdictional coastal and riverine fishes, such as Robust Redhorse, Lake Sturgeon, Pallid Sturgeon, and Brook Trout. The Conservation Genetics Lab is implementing research projects on numerous freshwater mussels, and threatened and endangered species such as the Spotfin Chub and the Round Rocksnail. The Cryopreservation Lab works on the collection, storage, and cryopreservation of sperm to provide a management tool for conserving genetic resources to enhance fisheries programs and reverse the population decline of threatened and endangered fishes. Currently, the Cryopreservation Lab is working with Pallid Sturgeon, Apache Trout, Gila Trout, and numerous aquatic species and freshwater mussels.

Projects and Research

Conservation Genetics

Research in the lab addresses conservation issues pertaining to brood stock management, systematics of imperiled aquatic organisms, and population genetics for species of concern or management interest in the southeast. We also study the evolution of aquatic animals using genomic tools. The lab provides technical coordination for numerous southeastern aquatic species, focusing on fishes and mollusks.

Aquatic Species Restoration

Sixty-two percent of all US fish species, 91 percent of all US mussels and more than two thirds of all North American species and sub-species of crayfish are found in the Southeast United States.  The Fish Tech Center conducts research on crayfish and amphibians to develop and improve on culture programs.

The National Fish Strain Registry database is a broad collaborative program that provides access to data and information on our nation’s aquatic resources. The database houses information on life history, genetics, reproduction, and behavior of wild populations and domestic fish strains throughout the United States. The database is available for use by public and private producers as well as...

The Cryopreservation Lab at Warm Springs Fish Technology Center develops cryopreservation techniques to support fisheries conservation across the Service and for our partners.  

Cryopreservation is a process in which a living cell can be frozen, stored, thawed, and  remain viable for future growth.  The cryopreservation lab at Warm Springs Fish Technology Center focuses...

Get Involved

Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. Warm Springs Fish Technology Center provides many opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife by doing what you love.

Warm Springs Fish Technology Center partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of both urban and rural communities to make a lasting difference. There are opportunities for everyone to get involved!

Location and Contact Information