The preparation of the data herein reflects improvement 

 in hatchery operations when compared with the previous two surveys. 

 This third survey, after an Interval of about ten years, was under- 

 taken because of the expressed value of the data to State agencies, 

 as well as to the hatchery operations of the Bureau of Sport Fish- 

 eries and Wildlife. Reports of activities were received from each 

 of the fifty States. We have taken no liberties with the informa- 

 tion supplied, with one exception. In a few instances, only 

 numbers of fish were given. We have estimated the weights of these 

 reported numbers and have so indicated by footnote. Two States 

 listed no fish distributed although operating hatcheries are shown. 

 In other respects, within limits, we have used all of the data sup- 

 plied by the States. 



The distribution of fish from the State and Federal hatch- 

 eries is summarized in tables 1 to U, following the pattern used by 

 Tunison (19^9). 



The total number of fish distributed (table l) as shown 

 in the current survey is kk percent of the 19^8 total and about 39 

 percent of the 1936 total. The swing to larger sizes of fish, 

 particularly catchable trout, during the past ten years accounts 

 for a part of the decrease in numbers. In earlier years, too, 

 there were produced large numbers of commercial and marine species. 

 Although data are not available for comparison, it is certain that 

 the weight of the fish distributed is now at an all-time high. 



In this third survey of fish culture some data are 

 included that were not available for the 1937 and 19^+9 surveys. 

 The types of foods purchased (table 6) are listed, indicating the 

 swing to pellets, although comparative data are not available for 

 the States. 



In a comparison of fish foods purchased for Federal 

 hatcheries in 19^5, 19^9, and 1955^ Hagen (1957) lifted no 

 purchases of pellets in 19^5 or 19^9- In 1955; ^89,062 pounds of 

 pellets were purchased, and the current report (table 6) shows the 

 purchase of 2,213,179 pounds of pellets by the Federal hatcheries 

 in 1957. 



Heretofore the surveys have listed the individual Federal 

 and State hatcheries. This is not done at this time, as the Bureau 

 issues separate publications providing this information. State 

 hatcheries are listed in Fishery Leaflet 4l (rev. May 1959), and 

 Federal hatcheries in Fishery Leaflet 1^7 (rev. Jan. 1959); both 

 available free from the Bureau. 



