DEC’s aging fish hatchery systems are undergoing a series of improvements to boost production, enhance the quality of fish care, reduce their carbon footprint, and more. Funds allocated through NY Works and the 2022 Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act will deliver the fiscal resources needed to execute plans for renovating DEC’s 12 fish hatcheries. The investment will create a modernized hatchery system that is adaptable, efficient, and durable to continue supporting DEC’s fisheries management needs well into the future.
Detailed information on the existing status of DEC’s fish hatchery systems and operations along with strategies and plans for site improvements can be found in the New York Statewide Hatchery Condition Assessment Portfolio, November 2024 Report (PDF).
Three-Phased Approach
Modernizing DEC’s fish hatchery structures and operating systems statewide is an extensive task that will be completed in three separate phases over the next ten to fifteen years. The phased approach will focus on the most urgent repairs first while allowing for incremental expansions and upgrades to the hatchery systems. As construction progresses, facilities will remain operational, ensuring that overall fish production is not disrupted.
Phase 1 (PDF): Work beginning in 2025
- Randolph Hatchery - Full redesign
- Adirondack Hatchery - Site improvements to well water supply and treatment, vehicle/chemical storage, emergency power generator
- Caledonia Hatchery - Improved rearing ponds with predator deterrent structures, pond revitalization, new storage structure
- Chateaugay Hatchery - New hatch house, enhanced spring water supply and treatment, generator installation
- Salmon River Hatchery – Overhaul of water supply and treatment system
- South Otselic Hatchery - Pond restoration
Phase 2 (PDF): Anticipated to begin in 2029
- South Otselic Hatchery - Full redesign
- Adirondack Hatchery – Replacements to dam water supply and treatment
- Chautauqua Hatchery – Coldwater production expansion, new hatchery building, new grow out rearing and waste treatment buildings
- Rome Hatchery and Lab – Improvements to spring water supply, critical infrastructure repairs, new residence building, emergency power generator, and more.
Phase 3 (PDF): Anticipated to begin in 2032
- Catskill Hatchery - Full redesign
- Bath Hatchery - Renovated well and dam water supply and treatment, hatch house winterization
- Oneida Hatchery – Improved coolwater supply and treatment
- Van Hornesville Hatchery – Improved main hatchery building and display pond, new residence
