Program Update - Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program - U.S. ...

Sport Fish
Restoration
Maricao Fish Hatchery, Puerto Rico
Besides the routine operations and maintenance activities germane to a fish hatchery,
the Maricao Fish Hatchery (MFH) is slowly evolving into an important Sport Fish
research facility in Puerto Rico. Throughout the years, the MFH has been the only
sport fish supplier supporting Puerto Rico’s sport fisheries. The MFH stocks 24
water reservoirs ranging in size from 15 to 1,000 acres. So far, the fish production
has been limited to a few species, mostly largemouth bass (LMB), by the lack of the
necessary infrastructure and technology to experiment with other species. However,
the recent construction of a nursery building added new dimensions and opportunities
to experiment with the production of triploid LMB to address the species growth and
longevity problems in the Puerto Rico water reservoirs. The nursery building has
also enabled researchers to initiate development of reproduction protocols for native
species such as the bigmouth sleeper.
Fish Hatchery entrance sign. Photo by Fernando Nunez-Garcia Federal Assistance
Aquatic Resource
Education
Mississippi Aquatic Resources Education Program
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, a division of the Mississippi Department
of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, has been delegated to implement the agency’s aquatic
resources education program. The museum is the perfect venue for educating citizens
about the State’s natural resources with its aquariums, habitat exhibits, and nature
trails. The museum houses several Native Sport Fish aquariums which were viewed
by more than 148,151 visitors consisting of approximately 25 percent school children
this past year. Public fish feedings are a huge attraction, drawing in more than 4,977
visitors, the majority of which are school children. The feedings have recently been
enhanced by the addition of interactive equipment which allows the diver to interact
with the public. In addition to the myriad of aquariums and exhibits, museum staff
provides hands-on educational programs to teach youth about Mississippi’s aquatic
resources. This past year, the museum hosted seven camp sessions that reached 140
students. The camp experience includes topics such as fish habitat and adaptations.
Another popular program “Got Fish” is in its seventh year and had over 300
participants. In “GOT FISH?,” a panel of professional anglers provide sessions on
various fish species such as bass, crappie, and catfish. The panel is moderated by the
sports editor of the State’s largest newspaper and participants ask questions and
provide comments. This is the second year that “Something’s Fishy” was held in
conjunction with “GOT FISH?.” In “Something Fishy,” youth get a behind the scenes
aquarium tour with demonstrations on fish diets and aquarium maintenance. The
Katfishing Kids program, which is a partnership effort between the agency, WalMart,
and the Mississippi Wildlife Federation continues to grow and has provided nearly 700
kids with a hands-on fishing experience as part of the program.
32 Wildlife and Sport Fish Program Update September 2008