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Hatchery Requirements 



The efficient operation of a fish hatchery depends on a number of factorb. 

 Among these are suitable site selection, soil characteristics, and water qual- 

 ity. Adequate facility design, water supply structures, water source, and 

 hatchery effluent treatment must also be considered. This chapter will 

 identify the more important hatchery requirements and the conditions 

 necessary for an efficient operation. 



Water Quality 



Water quality determines to a great extent the success or failure of a fish 

 cultural operation. Physical and chemical characteristics such as suspended 

 solids, temperature, dissolved gases, pH, mineral content, and the potential 

 danger of toxic metals must be considered in the selection of a suitable wa- 

 ter source. 



Temperature 



No other single factor affects the development and growth of fish as much 

 as water temperature. Metabolic rates of fish increase rapidly as tempera- 

 tures go up. Many biological processes such as spawning and egg hatching 



