Hatchery releases more fish

by Wally Northway

Published: February 8,2010

Tags: angling, environment, fishery, fishing, state agency

LYMAN — The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources’ (DMR’s) Lyman Fish Hatchery has begun its release of tagged Gulf race striped bass. On Feb. 2 and 5, a total of 20,000 hatchery-raised yearling fish (six inches in length) were released into the wild.

This is the second phase of the striped bass release. The first was in June 2009, when more than 120,000 non-tagged fingerlings (two inches in length) were released along the coastal waterways. In 2009, the DMR Lyman Fish Hatchery raised over 150,000 striped bass and will continue to raise and release marine animals, including other fish and crabs, to enhance our coastal habitat.

The Lyman Hatchery was established to further the DMR’s ability to enhance coastal resources and to conduct research into aquaculture. A toll-free number, 1-866-244-6420, is being set up for fishermen to report tagged catches and will be available soon.