U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 

 FISHERY RESOURCES PROGRAM 



Report of 

 Propagation and Distribution of Fishes 

 from the National Fish Hatchery System 



INTRODUCTION 



This report on fish and fish eggs distributed by National Fish Hatcheries 

 for the period October 1, 1983, through September 30, 1984, is the 19th in a 

 series of publications issued since 1872. Federal statutory responsibilities 

 for stewardship of the Nation's diverse and valuable fishery resources date from 

 1871 when Congress established the position of Commissioner of Fish and 

 Fisheries in response to concerns about the decline in domestic food fish 

 supplies. The tables provide a compilation of hatcheries, species, and program 

 distribution data that describe the Fish and Wildlife Service's activities 

 in fulfilling Federal stewardship responsibilities for fishery resources. 

 Currently, the Service's fish production activities are being evaluated and 

 redirected to fully support the responsibilities and role of the Service in 

 fishery resources. 



During its early years, the National Fish Hatchery System was the principal, 

 often the only, management tool available for addressing fishery resource 

 problems. However, changing resource needs, evolving management philosophies, 

 growth of the science and technology of fishery management, the development of 

 State capabilities, and legislative direction have significantly altered the 

 role of National Fish Hatcheries in addressing fishery resource problems. While 

 fish culture capabilities were used in the past, mainly to enhance stocks, 

 facilitating restoration and scientific management of self-sustaining fish 

 populations and mitigating fish losses are now major responsibilities of 

 the Service's Fishery Resources Program. In the 1 980 's, moreover, the Service 

 has become an increasingly active partner with the States, tribes, and 

 foreign governments in the management of interjurisdictional fishery resources. 



Changing circumstances warranted reevaluatlon of the responsibilities and 

 role of the Service's Fishery Resources Program with regard to State and 

 tribal responsibilities in the management of the Nation's fishery resources. 

 This process identified four areas that represent the responsibilities of 

 the Service's Fishery Resources Program. It should be recognized that these 

 responsibilities are not exclusively those of the Service. Close cooperation 

 is mandatory with States, tribes, and other Federal agencies that are concerned 

 with and share in the management of these resources. 



Specifically, the Service's Fishery Resources Program focusses its efforts to: 



" facilitate restoration of depleted, nationally significant 

 fishery resources, 



*" seek, and provide for mitigation of fishery resource 

 impairment due to Federal water-related development, 



" assist with the management of fishery resources on Federal 

 (primarily Service) and Indian lands, and 



• maintain a Federal leadership role in scientifically-based 

 management of national fishery resources. 



-1- 



