Bears Bluff National Fish Hatchery

Conservation research, habitat improvement and aquaculture are some of the many management strategies used by Bears Bluff NFH biologist to help replenish populations. Our programs focus on fishery conservation efforts with Atlantic sturgeon, American shad, red drum, and imperiled freshwater mussels, as well as habitat improvement projects related to both saltmarsh and freshwater ecosystems. Since 2000, the hatchery has provided over 5 million fish to support recreational and commercial fishing, improved more than 2 miles of fish and aquatic habitat, and removed over 1000 pounds of non-native fish species in the southeast region.

Bears Bluff NFH’s work with the endangered Atlantic sturgeon has resulted in improving wild populations and an increase in the public’s awareness of the species. If you see an Atlantic sturgeon in a zoo or aquarium display, it was most likely supplied by Bears Bluff NFH.

Due to our coastal location, Bears Bluff NFH has prioritized flexibility within the Station’s objectives in order to address new and critical conservation needs of a diverse group of organisms. As a result, we are capable of producing marine fish (red drum), freshwater/anadromous fish (American shad and Atlantic sturgeon), terrestrial amphibians (gopher frogs), freshwater mussels and even some species of plants.

We also have the ability to address conservation-related research needs. We can develop and refine culture techniques for aquatic organisms, or address specific questions that advance our understanding of a species. For example, Bears Bluff NFH has developed spawning techniques for Atlantic sturgeon that produce reliable spawns annually from captive fish, and we are the only facility in the country that does this.