Since 1872 the National Fish Hatchery System has been working to improve recreational fishing and restore aquatic species that are in decline, at risk, and are important to the health of our aquatic systems. Across the country the network of national fish hatcheries work with states and Tribes to conserve, restore, and enhance the fish and aquatic resources of America for future generations.
We lead a network of cutting-edge conservation offices dedicated to aquatic conservation.
- 71 National Fish Hatcheries raise and stock over 100 million fish every year to support recreational fishing, tribal subsistence fisheries, and the recovery and restoration of imperiled species.
- 7 Fish Technology Centers solve problems in hatchery operations and aquatic resource management.
- 6 Fish Health Centers work on the front lines of helping prevent the spread of aquatic viruses and keeping both wild and hatchery fish healthy.
- 1 Historic National Fish Hatchery and the National Fish and Aquatic Conservation Archives
- The Aquatic Animal Drug Approval Partnership is part of the Fish and Aquatic Conservation program’s fish health work. It is the only program in the United States dedicated to obtaining U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of new medications needed when raising fish at a facility and in protecting fishery resources.
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.
The National Fish Hatchery System was created by Congress on June 10th, 1872 to boost production of food fish to support commercial fisheries and 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.
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.
Today there are 16 national fish hatcheries in operation that are more than a century old!
| National Fish Hatcheries (state) | Date Established |
|---|---|
| Neosho National Fish Hatcheries (MO) | 1888 |
| Craig Brook National Fish Hatcheries(ME) | 1889 |
| Leadville National Fish Hatcheries(CO) | 1889 |
| Erwin National Fish Hatcheries(TN) | 1897 |
| Little White Salmon National Fish Hatcheries (WA) | 1898 |
| Nashua National Fish Hatcheries(NH) | 1898 |
| Warm Springs National Fish Hatcheries(GA) | 1899 |
| Spring Creek National Fish Hatcheries(WA) | 1901 |
| Private John Allen National Fish Hatcheries(MS) | 1902 |
| White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatcheries (WV) | 1902 |
| Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatcheries (AR) | 1904 |
| Pittsford National Fish Hatcheries(VT) | 1909 |
| Quilcene National Fish Hatcheries(WA) | 1911 |
| Orangeburg National Fish Hatcheries(SC) | 1912 |
| Saratoga National Fish Hatcheries(WY) | 1914 |
| Berkshire National Fish Hatcheries(MA) | 1917 |