A Small-Scale Quarantine Facility for Existing Fish Hatcheries

R.A. Maes, G.J. Carmichael-2002

North American Journal of Aquaculture, 64(2): 136–143

Abstract:

A small-scale quarantine facility to hatch, rear, and house up to 100 lb of native fish using water recirculation technology was developed at the Mora National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center in Mora, New Mexico. The facility is isolated from the main hatchery and includes two types of self-contained water reuse systems. One system is small (160 gal) and was built with a vertical-tray incubator and Living Stream modified for egg hatching and fry rearing. The second system is large (880 gal) and houses age-0 to adult fish. The systems have separate chillers, biological filters, and pumps. Both are commonly aerated and have backup oxygen and power supplies. The quarantine facility drains to a septic system so that it needs no effluent disinfection. Although designed to hold coldwater fishes, it is flexible in function and can easily be modified to accommodate coolwater and warmwater species. Cost estimates are included to assist in determining feasibility and construction costs on such quarantine facilities.

(U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mora National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center, Post Office Box 689, Mora, New Mexico 87732, USA)

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