The Maryland DNR Fisheries Service Hatcheries Division is responsible for production of nearly two dozen species for fish stock enhancement, education and outreach, shellfish production, cooperative fish culture projects, and restoration of anadromous species in Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

A variety of strategies are used to raise fish for stocking, including intensive culture, extensive culture and integrated culture. Fish are cultured to larval size in tanks or ponds. Juveniles and adults can be grown in ponds, raceways, tanks or net pens. The Hatcheries Division raises various larval fish species for stocking directly into State waters for restoration or enhancement projects. These larvae can also be cultured to juvenile size for restoration, enhancement and other Fisheries Service projects. The program maintains captive populations of sub-adult and adult fish to be used as future brood stock

The Hatcheries Division has produced many successful fisheries projects. Cold water hatcheries produce trout for statewide "put and take" fishing opportunities and trout population enhancement. Warm water hatcheries produce dozens of fish species for various restoration and enhancement projects including corrective stocking in State reservoirs, tidal largemouth bass enhancement and children's fishing rodeo stocking. The Anadromous Restoration Program conducts an Atlantic sturgeon conservation project and ongoing reintroduction of American shad and hickory shad to the Choptank and Patuxent rivers.

Inquiries for matters relating to warm water hatcheries can be directed to Brian Richardson at (410) 226-5193 ext. 104 or E-mail Brian through Customer Service.