The Role of Hatcheries in Ensuring Social and Economic Benefits of Fisheries in the United States

Fish and fishing are at the core of American culture and deliver numerous socioeconomic benefits. Natural fisheries are the foundation for providing fishing benefits but angling exploitation, habitat degradation, and human population increases strain these natural systems. State and Federal hatcheries ensure the quality of these fisheries by supplementing natural recruitment. Supplemental stockings are vital for recreational fisheries to provide numerous cultural, socioeconomic, recreational, and subsistence benefits.  Hatchery operations expenses alone are major economic drivers for some sectors. Hatcheries have evolved into education outreach facilities and offer a great view of the world of fisheries science to the general public. Hatcheries produce non-sport fish to restore imperiled populations and maintain biodiversity. Such ecosystem services provide value as well. Although existence value can be difficult to quantify it is still a tangible benefit provided by hatcheries through the raising and restocking of imperiled fishes. Without a doubt the benefits provided by our Nation’s State and Federal hatcheries are substantial on many levels. Ensuring quality recreational fishing, preserving our natural heritage, supporting commercial stocks, and facilitating the continuation of portions of native culture are all occurring as a result of the work conducted in fish hatcheries.