Reimagining a Sustainable Future for New York’s Fisheries

For more than 160 years, New York State’s Fish Hatchery System has been a cornerstone of the state’s recreational fishing industry and aquatic conservation efforts. Since the establishment of the pioneering Caledonia Hatchery in 1864, the system has supported a multibillion-dollar fishing economy, strengthened native fish populations, and contributed to the vitality of lakes, rivers and streams across the state. 

Today, under the stewardship of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), the system includes 12 hatcheries and a fish disease control laboratory that collectively produce up to one million pounds of fish annually. Yet, with infrastructure averaging nearly a century in age, the system faces mounting challenges. Despite ongoing maintenance, decades of continuous operation have taken a toll.

To continue serving New York’s environmental and recreational goals, the state launched the Fish Hatchery Modernization Study — a forward-looking initiative to reimagine fish production and conservation through innovation, sustainability and community engagement. HDR led a comprehensive assessment of all 12 hatcheries, applying a structured decision support (SDS) methodology developed by Cornell University and NYSDEC. This approach enabled us to prioritize urgent repairs, identify opportunities for modernization, and recommend a strategic construction plan that balances immediate needs with long-term resilience. 

The study prioritizes sustainability and community engagement while maintaining production, enhancing operational efficiencies and extending facility longevity and resiliency. 

With $75 million in funding from the 2022 Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, New York has a rare opportunity to invest in infrastructure that will sustain its fisheries and conservation mission for generations to come.