Accomplishments of Restoration and Enhancement Projects

The multitude of projects conducted by the Hatcheries and Finfish Restoration program have been very successful and beneficial to both the resources and citizens of Maryland.

Highlights from 2007 include:

• Approximately 50,000 largemouth bass were stocked in the tidal freshwater portion of the Potomac, Patuxent, Chester and Choptank rivers. Of those, 25,268 were coded wire tagged.
• Assessment activities performed by the Anadromous Restoration project and documented the continued success of the shad restoration project. Populations continue to expand in the Patuxent River, Choptank River and Nanticoke River.
• 1.41 million American shad larvae stocked
• 480,882 American shad juveniles stocked
• 1.7 million hickory shad larvae stocked
• 211,500 hickory shad juveniles stocked
• 7,000 walleye fingerlings stocked
• 338,133 total trout stocked in 2007
• 981,000 striped bass fry produced for research and enhancement stocking
• Approximately 100 Atlantic sturgeon are being held in a captive breeding program. Upon reaching maturity, fish will be spawned and progeny will be stocked into target tributaries. Atlantic sturgeon research is underway investigating sperm cryopreservation techniques, feeding and nutrition, culture techniques, marking methodology and genetic analysis.

Inquiries for matters relating to Hatcheries and Finfish Restoration can be directed to Brian Richardson at (410) 643-6788 or E-mail Customer Service attention Brian Richardson.