The Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center is located within the Pecos River Valley in Dexter, New Mexico. The center is dedicated to scientifically based protection, restoration, and recovery of aquatic species protected under the Endangered Species Act in the Southwest. It consists of three major programs: Captive Propagation and Augmentation (Fish Culture), Applied Research, and Aquatic Animal Health. Approximately 1 million fish from 14 different threatened and endangered fish species are currently supported.

About Us

The Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center is located within the Pecos River Valley in Dexter, New Mexico. The center is dedicated to scientifically based protection, restoration, and recovery of aquatic species protected under the Endangered Species Act in the Southwest. It consists of three major programs: Captive Propagation and Augmentation (Fish Culture), Applied Research, and Aquatic Animal Health. Approximately 1 million fish from 14 different threatened and endangered fish species are currently supported. 

What We Do

The Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center is one of the largest facilities in the nation entirely dedicated to holding, studying, culturing, and distributing as many as 20 federally listed endangered species. Annual commitments for the facility range from short- to long-term culture of extremely rare fish (some of which are the sole remaining individuals for the species) for five major threatened and endangered species Restoration and Recovery Programs.  

The Aquatic Animal Health and Applied Research programs work to ensure the knowledge needed to reduce disease, improve survival, and keep adaptive potential. This work supports our Fish culture program and other facilities and their species.  

Our Species

Currently Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center maintains 14 warmwater fish species; however, five species account for most of our annual propagation and augmentation program commitments. The other species are either spawned intermittently or only maintained as refuge populations (not spawned).  

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. National fish hatcheries provide many opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife by doing what you love.

Location and Contact Information