Discover how Welaka National Fish Hatchery is saving the Eastern indigo snake and Florida grasshopper sparrow through innovative conservation techniques.
What We Do
Our Projects and Initiatives
National fish hatcheries use aquaculture to raise threatened, endangered, or at-risk species in a safe captive environment for eventual release into a natural setting. This work, along with habitat restoration, and other federal protections, can help boost and support wild populations of fish and aquatic wildlife.
National Fish Hatcheries:
- Improve recreational fishing and public use of aquatic resources.
- Recover federally listed threatened or endangered species.
- Restore imperiled species that are not yet listed as endangered.
- Fulfill tribal partnerships and trust responsibilities.
National Fish Hatchery System Celebrates 150 Years of Conservation!
June 10th, 2022, marks the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Fish Hatchery System! The National Fish Hatchery System was created by Congress to help address collapsing fisheries and boost production of food fish to feed families. Over the years, the system has evolved to meet the changing needs of conservation. Today the National Fish Hatchery System is the only national aquaculture program in existence dedicated entirely to the conservation of aquatic species.
Our Services
Fish Distribution and Stocking
Our work to raise and conserve fish and their habitats enhances the enjoyment of over 55 million recreational anglers every year. Many states rely on aquaculture to stock lakes and rivers with fish populations for sustainable recreational fisheries that generate million in local revenue.