Management and Conservation
The next time you go fishing, you might just catch a fish that was raised at Orangeburg NFH. Since 1871, national fish hatcheries have been responding to conservation challenges affecting America’s fish and other aquatic species. Producing fish continues to be an irreplaceable tool in managing or restoring fisheries along with habitat conservation. In doing so, we help provide recreation opportunities to America’s 34 million anglers who spend $36 billion annually in pursuit of their favored pastime.
Orangeburg NFH produces Atlantic striped bass, America shad, lake sturgeon, bluegills, redbreast and channel catfish. These fish are stocked annually in reservoirs, lakes and rivers. From Edisto River, SC to Lake Murray, SC and as far as Lake Shelbyville in Illinois.
The fish hatchery also cultures species that are at risk or are critically endangered; gopher frogs and Carolina heelsplitter mussels are two examples.
Our Services
Orangeburg NFH produces 7 million fish, frogs and mussels a year. Utilizing outdoor earthern ponds we raise fish such as redbreast, bluegills and channel catfish that are stocked to enhance a declining or depleted fishery. Striped Bass and American shad are produced in millions to help mitigate the impact of dams. Indoor facilities we produce lake sturgeons to restore populations in Tennessee River basin. Gopher frogs and Carolina heelsplitters are cultured to improve our understanding of these endemic species and help augment lost or dwindling populations.
Our Projects and Research
National fish hatcheries raise fish and other aquatic species – like crayfish and mussels - to help restore and sustain important fish and other aquatic species for the benefit of the American people. Freshwater mussels play very important roles in our rivers and lakes filtering the water and creating habitat for fish and aquatic insects fish like to eat. With declining fish populations and declining freshwater mussel populations becoming prevalent across the world, fish hatchery operations are important than ever.
The Orangeburg NFH is collaborating with state and federal agencies to help restore and enhance fish populations throughout the region. From endangered species like the Carolina heelsplitter to the common bluegill, the need to preserve, restore, and enhance the aquatic resources has never been more important. Our fish and aquatic resources, and the recreational opportunities they provide, have helped support the nation’s growth by providing enormous ecological, social, and economic contributions. These resources are recognized as national assets that contribute to the quality of life and well-being of the American people. National fish hatcheries help foster this critical link between the biological health of our nation and its overall economic health.