The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has reared fish at its state fish hatcheries for more than a century. This summer, the DNR encourages the public to pay a visit to these unique facilities and see this important work up close.

Located throughout Michigan, the DNR's six state fish hatcheries rear and stock fish for a variety of reasons, including to restore ecosystem balance, provide diverse fishing opportunities, rehabilitate depressed fish populations and reintroduce extirpated species.

"Over the course of a typical year the DNR will stock roughly 26 million fish – many courtesy of its hatcheries," said Ed Eisch, the DNR's fish production manager. "Each of our facilities works hard to produce several different species of fish and we love having visitors come and see directly how we do that work."

To encourage additional visits in 2017 the DNR has launched its Hatchery Passport Program, which will reward visitors to all six state fish hatcheries and two select egg-take weir facilities with a collectible sticker representing each respective location.

"An ambitious visitor can traverse the state collecting these unique stickers that are only available in person," said Eisch. "Those who fill up their 'passport' can then collect a small token of appreciation, courtesy of the DNR."

To participate in the Hatchery Passport Program, visit michigan.gov/hatcheries or stop by any of the participating locations to download or pick up a copy of the official Hatchery Passport Program document. Additional instructions are within the document. There is no time frame attached to this program; it can be completed at any time by anyone.

The participating locations include:

• Harrietta State Fish Hatchery in Harrietta
  
• Marquette State Fish Hatchery in Marquette
  
• Oden State Fish Hatchery in Alanson
  
• Platte River State Fish Hatchery in Beulah
  
• Thompson State Fish Hatchery in Manistique
  
• Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan
  
• Boardman River Weir in Traverse City
  
• Little Manistee River Weir in Stronach

All participating locations should have their collectible stickers in time for or directly following the Memorial Day holiday weekend.



The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.