Stock Enhancement
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, 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, queen conch, and bay scallops, have declined in
abundance relative to historic levels. Hatchery production is
frequently suggested as one remedy for this decline.
The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's Stock Enhancement
Research Facility (SERF) partners with Mote Marine Laboratory and
the Crystal River Mariculture Center to produce hatchery-reared
animals to support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission's fisheries management efforts.
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