The new experimental battery will allow the hatchery staff to conduct more in-depth research, aimed at improving the stations fish production. -genoa nfh fws photo 3/2008

In support of sound science and technology, the Genoa National Fish Hatchery (NFH) bolstered their ability to conduct research by designing and constructing a portable experimental rearing battery. The system was designed to have up to three replicated observations (9 tanks) at a time. Until now, production tanks had to be used which unfortunately pulls valuable tank space away from non experimental fish. The scaled down tank layout will also require less fish per study, which is a huge factor whenever threatened or endangered species are used. Genoa NFH has been conducting lake sturgeon feed trials over the last 6 years, and it is hoped that with the new experimental rearing battery, these trials will become easier and much more valid due to the higher level of control of the experiment. The system was also designed to be portable. This will allow the system to be moved around the hatchery for various needs such as coolwater fish disinfection techniques, coaster brook trout growth studies, and endangered mussel research.