Our History
The National Fish Hatchery System was created by Congress on June 10th, 1872 to boost production of food fish to support commercial fisheries and feed families. Over the years, the system has evolved to meet the changing needs of conservation. Today the National Fish Hatchery System is the only national aquaculture program in existence dedicated entirely to the conservation of aquatic species. National fish hatcheries use aquaculture to raise threatened, endangered, or at-risk species in a safe captive environment for eventual release into a natural setting. This work, along with habitat restoration, and other federal protections, can help boost and support wild populations.
Today there are 16 national fish hatcheries in operation that are more than a century old!
| National Fish Hatcheries (state) | Date Established |
|---|---|
| Neosho National Fish Hatcheries (MO) | 1888 |
| Craig Brook National Fish Hatcheries(ME) | 1889 |
| Leadville National Fish Hatcheries(CO) | 1889 |
| Erwin National Fish Hatcheries(TN) | 1897 |
| Little White Salmon National Fish Hatcheries (WA) | 1898 |
| Nashua National Fish Hatcheries(NH) | 1898 |
| Warm Springs National Fish Hatcheries(GA) | 1899 |
| Spring Creek National Fish Hatcheries(WA) | 1901 |
| Private John Allen National Fish Hatcheries(MS) | 1902 |
| White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatcheries (WV) | 1902 |
| Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatcheries (AR) | 1904 |
| Pittsford National Fish Hatcheries(VT) | 1909 |
| Quilcene National Fish Hatcheries(WA) | 1911 |
| Orangeburg National Fish Hatcheries(SC) | 1912 |
| Saratoga National Fish Hatcheries(WY) | 1914 |
| Berkshire National Fish Hatcheries(MA) | 1917 |