Hatchery

A hatchery is a facility where fish are produced and raised. In British Columbia, salmon hatcheries can be found near many streams. These hatcheries take returning salmon and spawn them. Their offsprings are then raised to a certain size and age before being released back into the stream, where they rear and travel to the ocean. Salmon hatcheries in British Columbia are operated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Trout hatcheries in British Columbia produce trout that are stocked into lakes for sport fishing opportunities. There are currently five trout hatcheries operating in British Columbia. These are operated by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

The purpose of hatcheries is primarily to produce fish and provide fishing opportunities so wild populations of fish can be protected.

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