Mississippi Fish Hatchery Shares Behind-the-Scenes Look at Fish Stocking Process

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks has offered a behind-the-scenes look at the operations at Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery, highlighting the process of stocking fish in Mississippi waters.

Staff feed the fish daily with floating feed or live forage fish. They also fertilize ponds to promote zooplankton growth, which serves as food for the fish. Insects, influenced by nearby vegetation, form part of the fish’s diet. Lights around the ponds attract insects at night, providing additional food sources.

Hatchery personnel monitor water quality using handheld meters to measure dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and other parameters. Fish health is regularly checked visually, and any signs of disease are treated promptly.

Electrofishing boats are used to stun fish temporarily for collection. This method is preferred over netting because it is more efficient and causes less stress or injury to the fish, according to the department. The stunned fish are only affected for a few minutes.

During spawning season, staff collect wild and brood fish from various locations across the state. They use electrofishing boats and gill nets to obtain fish for spawning, though environmental factors like temperature and water levels can pose challenges. The staff then spawn the fish to produce fry for stocking.

Maintaining ponds involves replacing liners, treating vegetation, and routine infrastructure repairs. Harvesting occurs once fish reach the desired size and water temperatures are suitable. Staff monitor pond conditions closely during harvest, collecting hundreds of pounds of fingerlings from each pond to stock into Mississippi waters. Fish transportation is facilitated by trucks and trailers equipped with oxygen tanks, ensuring the fish remain healthy during transit.

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