About Us
Since 1871 the National Fish Hatchery system has been at work improving recreational fishing and restoring 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.
Mora National Fish Hatchery has been breeding and raising Gila trout since 1999. The hatchery is the only facility that now raises this rare fish. Current populations in active culture are lineages from the Main Diamond and South Diamond watersheds. Beginning in 2012, the hatchery began the process of developing breeding populations of the Whiskey and Spruce Creek lineages. These surviving populations can be severely impacted by natural events such as fire, flood, and drought, and the Mora National Fish Hatchery has the capability to provide refuge when necessary.
Our Mission
Since 1871, National Fish Hatcheries have been applying science-based approaches to conservation challenges. We work with our partners and engage the public to conserve, restore, and enhance fish and other aquatic resources for the continuing benefit of the American people. Conservation is at the heart of what we do, and we recognize that we do this work for the American people–both the present generation who benefit today and future generations who will inherit our legacy of conserving America’s aquatic resources.
Mora National Fish Hatchery is dedicated to the restoration and recovery of the threatened Gila trout, a fish found only in the high desert and mountain watersheds of the Gila, Salt and Verde drainages in New Mexico and Arizona. The hatchery currently has 5 surviving genetic lineages.
Our History
Mora National Fish Hatchery is located in the quiet rural setting of the Mora Valley in Northern New Mexico. The hatchery was created in 1994 and was operational by 1998. Water is a scarce commodity in the dry southwest and is increasingly in demand for agriculture, municipal, and recreational uses. This demand has negatively impacted aquatic habitats and the species that live there. We have taken an innovative approach to tackling these issues. Typical fish raising techniques used far more water than was available, so we designed a more water-efficient hatchery that uses water re-use and re-circulation technologies to reduce water usage by approximately 95 percent.