February 15-18, 2009 Washington State Convention Center Seattle ...

OVERVIEW OF PROPAGATION AND CULTURE OF PADDLEFISH BY STATE AND
FEDERAL HATCHERIES
Jan C. Dean*, Bobby C. Reed and Kristi C. Butler
Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery
615 South Drive
Natchitoches, LA 71457 USA
jan_dean@fws.gov
Spawning of wild paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) was observed and documented from the Osage River, Missouri, USA in
the spring of 1960. The first propagation of paddlefish occurred the following year with wild broodstock from the same area.
Further studies were done in the following years, and the first large-scale production of paddlefish was made at Blind Pony
State Fish Hatchery in Missouri in the early 1970s. Back then, culturists induced spawning using pituitary glands taken from
angler-caught paddlefish. The switch to induction via LHRHa took place in the early to mid 1980s based upon its success with
sturgeon spawning.
A survey was made of USA state and federal fish hatcheries regarding their techniques for propagation and culture of paddlefish.
State hatcheries produced paddlefish for sportfishing, recovery and educational purposes. Federal hatcheries did the same
for conservation, restoration and recovery. Broodstock sources included wild fish most often and also included hatchery reared
fish from the wild in areas of no prior paddlefish; two hatcheries received fertilized eggs from other sources. Spawning induction
was via LHRHa injections, with various rates for males. Egg collection included traditional stripping, Caesarian section
and the MIST procedure. Sperm collection generally was via a syringe with tubing. Most hatcheries used the semi-dry fertilization
method, whereas one used the dry method. Fullers Earth was used for egg deadhesion, and embryos were incubated
in McDonald jars primarily at 17-19 °C. Incubation water sources included wells most commonly though tap water and water
from a river and a creek was used. For the survey, production was divided into Phase I fish less than 7.5 cm length and Phase II
fish greater than this size. Phase I paddlefish were most often reared in raceways and less so in other tanks. They were offered
zooplankton and prepared diets. Phase II fish were reared in raceways and ponds primarily with some reared in circular tanks.
They were fed prepared diets most often. Harvest size ranged from 20 to 50 cm.
More specific information will be given for culture conditions at some hatcheries including Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery
and Booker-Fowler State Fish Hatchery, both of Louisiana. Stocking densities and growth rates will be included.