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.
Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery was established in 1899. The hatchery's primary recovery focus occurs in Georgia, but work performed benefits species throughout the 10-state Southeast Region. The hatchery restores and manages inter-jurisdictional coastal and riverine fishes such as Striped Bass, Alligator Gar, and Lake Sturgeon. Species such as Striped Bass and Lake Sturgeon are vital to fishery resources of the Southeastern United States and the Atlantic Coast managed in cooperation with the various state game and fish agencies. The hatchery works with many partners including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to recover Sicklefin Redhorse in North Carolina. The hatchery recovers species listed under the Endangered Species Act, such as freshwater mussels. Recovery efforts also include candidate ESA species and state listed species such as Gopher Tortoises and Gopher Frogs.
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.
The role of our hatchery is recovery of species that have become imperiled. Our mission is to remedy impacts of manmade dams that have altered a stream’s natural reproductive capability; to recover threatened or endangered populations; to restore inter-jurisdictional fish populations; to support depleted recreational fish populations in Federal and state waters.
Our History
Warm Springs NFH authorized by Congress in 1898, and established in 1899. The hatchery consists of 56 acres with 39 ponds totaling 18.23 acres of water. After program expansion in 1995, there are currently three separate facilities collocated on station: the National Fish Hatchery, the Fish Health Center, and the Fish Technology Center.
Other Facilities in this Complex
The following two Centers are co-located on the complex:
Warm Springs Fish Health Center - Devin Chappell, Center Director
Warm Springs Fish Technology Center - William Wayman, Center Director
