June 10th marks the 150th anniversary of the creation of the National Fish Hatchery System and the kick-off to a summer long celebration campaign to #HatchTheFun at a national fish hatchery near you! The summer celebration will wrap up at the end of September with National Hunting and Fishing Day!
One hundred and fifty years ago, on June 10th, 1872, the National Fish Hatchery System was established by Congress to “remediate the decreases of food fishes of the seacoasts and the lakes of the US.” Over the years, the system has evolved to meet the changing needs of conservation. Hatcheries are a vital partner in the agency’s effort to recover listed species, restore declining species, and support wild aquatic populations.
National fish hatcheries are one of the oldest federal conservation efforts in America. But how well do you really know them? Test your conservation knowledge with this National Fish Hatchery System Quiz! (Scroll down for answers!)
Two truths and a lie. Can you identify the made-up statement?
- National fish hatcheries raise frogs, dragonflies, mudpuppies, and salamanders.
- National fish hatcheries raise snakes, birds, and dragonflies!
- National fish hatcheries raise more rainbow trout than any other species.
Can you put our top 5 species in order? What did we raise the most of in 2021?
- Walleye
- American Shad
- Rainbow Trout
- Chinook Salmon
- Northern Pike
This hatchery in New Mexico is the only one that raises Gila trout.
- Gila National Fish Hatchery
- Alchesay National Fish Hatchery
- Mora National Fish Hatchery
Surprised? Maybe it’s time to Meet your National Fish Hatchery System.
Media Inquiries contact Thomas_Mccann@fws.gov
Answers:
- National fish hatcheries raise frogs, dragonflies, mudpuppies, salamanders, snakes, birds, and dragonflies! But rainbow trout are not our #1 species.Learn more: The National Fish Hatchery System works with an incredible diversity of species that might surprise you.
- Top fish species we raised in 2021 in order are:
- Chinook Salmon
- Walleye
- American Shad
- Rainbow Trout
- Northern Pike
Learn more: National Fish Hatchery System: By The Numbers (2021)
- Mora National Fish Hatchery! Mora is one of the many hatcheries that raise threatened or endangered species for conservation. Learn more : The National Fish Hatchery System supports aquatic conservation.
