The Hatcheries and Finfish Restoration Program operates under the Restoration and Enhancement Program in Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service (DNR). The Hatcheries and Finfish Restoration Program is responsible for cold water hatchery production, warm water hatchery production, aquaculture permitting, private pond stocking, fish stock enhancement, fish passage and restoration of anadromous species in the Maryland waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

A variety of strategies are used to raise fish for stocking including intensive culture, extensive culture or integrated culture. Propagation methods to raise fish for project goals range from simple to technical. For example, fertile adult largemouth bass are placed in hatchery ponds and allowed to spawn while American shad are implanted with experimental hormone delivery systems that induce spawning in hatchery tanks. Fish are cultured to larval size in tanks or ponds. Juveniles and adults can be grown in ponds, raceways, tanks or net pens. The program raises larvae for stocking directly into State waters for restoration or enhancement projects. These larvae can also be used to culture fish 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 and Finfish Restoration program 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 private pond stocking. Anadromous restoration projects include a yellow perch restoration pilot project, an Atlantic sturgeon restoration effort and an ongoing reintroduction of American shad and hickory shad to the Patuxent River, Choptank River and Nanticoke River. The fish passage group works toward removal or alteration of stream blockages to provide migratory fish with access to spawning grounds. The program also works to protect the State's natural resources through the aquaculture permit process.

Inquiries for matters relating to warm water hatcheries can be directed to Don Cosden at (410) 260-8287 or E-mail Don through Customer Service.