Florida Bass Conservation Center - Sportfish Restoration Project Overview

Construction of the Florida Bass Conservation Center, funded by Federal Aid Sport Fish Restoration, established a propagation and research center dedicated to the conservation of Florida's four black bass species and other important sportfish species in Florida.    Completed in four construction phases between 2004 through 2009, the new Center has modernized the state's primary freshwater fish production facility by completely renovating the original Richloam State Fish Hatchery built in 1965.  In addition to refurbishing the 63 earthen ponds to include more modern Kansas style kettles, the 39,000 square feet Center contains climate controlled rearing facilities used for intensive spawning, incubation and fry rearing for 10 native species, including the endemic Florida largemouth bass.  Facilities were also expanded to include fish health and wet labs, isolated research tanks, and a visitor center to accomodate guided tour groups for educational programs.  Engineered water conservation measures at the Center permit extensive use of recycled water, up to 90% return, to reduce excessive withdrawals from groundwater resources. Establishment of the Center has facilitated expanded research on genetic conservation of the Florida largemouth bass, including broodfish screening and genetic monitoring of released stocks.   Specifically engineered breeding and larval incubation units have yielded significant advances in out of season spawning of the Florida largemouth bass, which now permits a double-crop production system where broodfish are intensively spawned during the fall and spring seasons.  The expanded rearing facility designed into the Center has also expanded research on diet and nutrition for production of advanced sized Florida largemouth bass, resolving production issues related to Pale Liver Syndrome and post-release survival.