| The term "state fish hatchery" and "fish culture station" are
synonymous and are used interchangeably.
For many years in the past, Pennsylvania's state-operated fish rearing facilities were called "state fish hatcheries." The
older signs at our facilities reflect the use of this name.
The term "fish culture station" is of more recent origin.
If you look at how other states name these facilities, you'll see that both names are used.
Our state fish hatcheries/fish culture stations are vital components of our efforts to provide fishing
opportunities for Pennsylvania anglers. No matter which name you use, it's easy to see that our hatcheries are
engines of rural economic development.
There are fifteen (15) state fish hatcheries in Pennsylvania. Owned by the state and operated by the
Fish and Boat Commission, these stations are strategically located across the Commonwealth to take advantage
of high-quality water supplies and to maximize fish stocking logistics. Eight hatcheries combine to
produce some 4 million adult trout annually. Stocked into the waters of the Commonwealth, these trout
support fishing activity that generates some $500,000 million in economic activity each year.
More than 100 million juvenile fish of popular species like striped bass, walleye, catfish, muskellunge,
largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pike and pickerel are reared at six state fish hatcheries. The warmwater/
coolwater hatcheries supplement natural reproduction of these species and contribute to recreational
fishing generating more than $1 billion for Pennsylvania annually. Three stations support steelhead trout
fishing. In addition to providing a unique trophy trout fishery in Erie County, these state-hatchery
steelhead are a vital part of the region’s economy, conservatively valued at $7 million annually.In
addition to supporting recreational fishing, Pennsylvania’s state hatcheries are also at the heart
of groundbreaking efforts to restore species such as American shad and paddlefish to what were once their
native waters.
A recent comprehensive, independent study of the state hatchery system noted that it run efficiently, is well maintained
relative to its age, and that it compares favorably to other states. The report also called for some $81 million
in upgrades and improvements over a period of 25-30 years to ensure the system’s long-term future. The Fish
and Boat Commission has identified about $25 million in construction projects at state hatcheries to be undertaken
over the next three to four years to upgrade these hatcheries to improve wastewater treatment and keep Pennsylvania
fishing!
Investing in state fish hatcheries is good for Pennsylvania’s economy! It’s time for Pennsylvania to
fund a comprehensive state fish hatchery upgrade program. The economic benefits of upgrading state hatcheries include:
• The benefits flowing from major construction projects in the rural communities where hatcheries are located.
• The benefits derived from operation of state hatcheries and employment of staff.
• The travel and tourism benefits from visitation to state hatcheries.
• And most important of all, the economic benefits of recreational fishing supported by state hatchery fish. |
