The Stock Enhancement program uses applied research to develop the technology for breeding and rearing finfish and mollusks to enhance or rebuild coastal fisheries. The program has bred and reared red drum, snook, spotted seatrout, bay scallops, and queen conch.
While freshwater stock enhancement is well developed, marine stock
enhancement is still relatively new. The Fish and Wildlife Research
Institute's Stock Enhancement Research Facility (SERF) participates
in numerous programs and research efforts designed to support
fisheries management work by using hatchery-reared animals to
supplement or restore native fisheries populations.
Learn about education programs, internships and volunteer
opportunities at the Stock Enhancement Research Facility.
Many of Florida's economically important marine species, such as red drum, snook, spotted seatrout, queen conch, and bay scallops, have declined in abundance relative to historic levels. Hatchery production is frequently suggested as one remedy for this decline.
Fishery scientists and managers are creating a series of state-of-the-art hatcheries and grow-out facilities on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. This network, combined with parallel habitat restoration, will be the most efficient model for sustaining healthy sportfish populations.