Fishy business: A deeper look into NYSDEC fish hatcheries

Abstract

Fish hatcheries were originally designed to support conservation and recreation. This internship at the the Chateaugay NY fish hatchery was established to develop myself professionally in my field to gain skills related to professional fishery/wildlife ecologists, network with professionals, and gain a better understanding of the structure and daily tasks that associate with an organization well-suited for my career aims. Working under the supervision of NYS DEC fish biologists, I gained important skills in rearing, processing, and stocking fish. I made connections with DEC employees at Chateaugay Fish Hatchery, as well as local fishers within the community, and DEC pilots. I gained a deeper understanding of how hatcheries operate and the daily routines of fisheries biologists.