Private Fish Hatcheries Vs. State Fish Hatcheries
Some fish hatcheries produce fish to be transplanted into ponds, lakes or streams to supplement natural populations while others grow fish for aquariums or small decorative ponds. Most state resource management agencies operate hatcheries but private hatcheries exist as well.
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Management Tool
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State fish hatcheries produce fish to meet management objectives of the agency. Supplemental stocking of hatchery fingerlings is a management tool fisheries biologists use frequently.
Public Waters
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State fish hatcheries only stock fish into public waters. Fishing license purchasers finance the hatcheries and thus should have the privilege of fishing the stocked lakes and streams.
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Not for Sale
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State fish hatcheries don't sell fish to the public. What fish are produced and where they get stocked is determined by state fisheries biologists.
For Profit Sales
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Private fish hatcheries make their profit by selling fish to the public for use in private ponds. It's illegal for private citizens to stock fish into public waters.
Aquariums
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Private hatcheries often produce exotic species such as koi or oscars. Many of these fish are sold to the aquarium trade.
Aquaculture
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Private hatcheries often produce fingerlings aquaculturalists grow to market size, then sell for food. Catfish, trout, tilapia and salmon are commonly grown on fish farms.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit fish image by asmik from Fotolia.com
