What You Should Know About SSM Health Fish Hatchery

What You Should Know About SSM Health Fish Hatchery

If you are interested in aquatic life and how to sustain it, you might have come across the term ‘fish hatchery’ more than once. A fish hatchery is a facility where fish eggs are taken from the wild and hatched under controlled conditions for release back into the wild as juveniles. It is a necessary conservation technique for maintaining a stable population of fish in lakes, rivers, and ponds. One example of such a facility is the SSM Health Fish Hatchery in Wisconsin. Here is what you should know about it.

The History of SSM Health Fish Hatchery

The SSM Health Fish Hatchery has been operating for over a century, having been established in 1906. Its primary purpose was to produce trout for distribution in Wisconsin lakes and streams. In the 1960s, the facility added Chinook and Coho salmon to its production list. The following decade saw the development of the facility’s research program. It has since been dedicated to improving fishery management through research and technology.

The Operations at SSM Health Fish Hatchery

The hatchery is situated on a 200-acre site, which includes 13 earthen ponds and around 170 concrete raceways. The facility produces over 700,000 fish annually, including multiple species of salmonids such as Chinook and Coho salmon, brown and rainbow trout, and lake sturgeon. It is also responsible for producing and stocking fish in more than 130 water bodies across Wisconsin. The staff at the hatchery ensures that the water quality is consistently monitored, and the fish are cared for, fed, and checked for health issues regularly.

Research at SSM Health Fish Hatchery

The research program at the Fish Hatchery comprises multiple studies focused on advancing fishery management. Some of the significant research areas include improving fish hatchery techniques, breeding and rearing of threatened and endangered species, and exploring fish genetics. The goal is to provide data-driven recommendations for better management practices and contribute to conserving fish populations in Wisconsin.

Conclusion

The SSM Health Fish Hatchery is an essential facility in Wisconsin’s conservation efforts. Through its well-equipped operations and research program, the hatchery ensures that Wisconsin’s aquatic ecosystem is well cared for and stable. By producing millions of fish each year and advancing fish management practices, the facility contributes to enhancing the fishing experience for millions of people across Wisconsin.