The goal of the New York’s fish culture program is to operate a modern, efficient system of fish hatcheries and annually produce and stock a variety of disease-free fish. In 2017, DEC raised and stocked 810,000 pounds of fish from the state’s 12 fish hatcheries into approximately 1,200 waters. The number and species of fish stocked in 2017 are listed in the table below. In addition to various sportfish species, DEC raised and stocked lake sturgeon and round whitefish in 2017. These rare species are native to New York State, and an effort is currently underway to restore them to their historic range.

Funding made available through Governor Cuomo’s NY Works program enabled the following infrastructure projects at our hatcheries:

• Multiple repairs were made to several hatchery managers’ residences. Managers live on-site to provide security and emergency response, and many of the residences needed rehabilitation.
• The purchase of six, one-ton pick-up trucks which will be used for stocking fish and snowplowing. These trucks replaced older models that operated inefficiently.
• Four new fish loading pumps were purchased and received at four different hatcheries. The new pumps will improve the loading of fish into the large six-tank stocking trucks, which will reduce the stress on the fish and make the loading process faster and more efficient.
• A new emergency generator was purchased and installed at the Salmon River Hatchery. It will help keep the fish safe when there are power outages by keeping the water flowing and oxygen levels adequate for fish survival.
• Predator enclosures were built over all of the Bath Hatchery’s outdoor ponds so that birds and mammals cannot feed on the fish. It is anticipated that large numbers of fish will be saved from predation and fish food costs will be reduced.
• A new energy-efficient heating system was installed at the Salmon River Hatchery. With the new insulation, added when the roof was replaced two years ago, and the new overhead garage doors that were installed this past year, it is expected to save thousands of dollars in energy costs annually.
• Feed barn repairs were completed at Rome Hatchery. New structural steel beams were installed where needed, and new metal siding, roofing, an exterior access door, and overhead doors were installed. The improvements will provide a safe location for fish food, secure from the elements and rodents.
• Improvements to the hatch house at the Van Hornesville Hatchery were completed. The improvements included a new cement stairway, hand railings, and a new exterior steel door. A roof extension covering the outdoor stairway was also installed to enhance employee safety.