Station Facts

• Established: 1899.
• This facility is a warmwater hatchery that was authorized by Congress in 1898.
• The species of fish propagated here do best in spring and summer water temperatures of 60 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Species such as striped bass, sturgeon, robust redhorse and paddlefish which are vital to the fishery resources of the Southeastern United States and the Atlantic Coast are raised here and stocked in cooperation with the various state game and fish agencies.
• The staff includes four people; three biologists and maintenance worker.
• The Warm Springs NFH consists of 56 acres with 40 ponds totaling 18.23 acres of water.

 

 

Geographic Area Covered

Primary area of concern is Georgia but work performed benefits species throughout the 10-state Southeast Region.

 

 

Station Goals

• Restores and manages interjurisdictional coastal and riverine fishes such as shortnose sturgeon and Gulf sturgeon.
• Recovers species listed under the Endangered Species Act, such as: the endangered shortnose sturgeon, Gulf sturgeon and the imperiled paddlefish.
• Develops culture techniques for native fishes and other aquatic animals.
• Develops hatchery product evaluation techniques.

 

 

Activity Highlights

• Three sturgeon species are currently on station: shortnose, Gulf and lake sturgeon.
• Gulf Coast strain striped bass are cultured and distributed for restoration work in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Robust redhorse are hatched and reared on station for recovery of this species.

 

 

Fish Species and Capability

• Gulf striped bass, including eight-year classes of captive reared broodfish.
• Endangered shortnose sturgeon, including captive reared broodfish.
• Threatened Gulf sturgeon, held for development of culture techniques.
• Facilities include a large recirculated intensive culture/ holding system; a large tank for holding large fish species; a large recirculated egg incubation/larval rearing system; and numerous holding and intensive rearing tanks.
• Water supply is from three springs; one spring supply has the capability of being buffered to meet the requirements of individual species.

 

 

Services Provided To

• Federal agencies including other Fish and Wildlife Service program offices.
• State agencies.
• Native American Tribes.
• Military bases.
• Universities.
• Non-governmental organizations (NGO’s).
• The public.

 

 

Public Use Opportunities

• Environmental education and public outreach opportunities to visitors, school groups, and various other organizations.
• Beautiful surroundings and natural environment.
• Aquatic display for off-site presentations.
• Public aquarium and visitor’s area.