Sport fishing in the united states, and particularly in south dakota, is extremely popular

After jogging, IT isthe second most popular outdoor activity in the country, with over 49 million americans (17% of the entirepopulation) taking and estimated 885 million fishing outings in 2017 (outdoor industry association 2018). IN2019, approximately 130,000 residents 16 years and older, and nearly 74,000 non-residents, purchased south dakota fishing licenses. From 2015 to 2019, an average of over 225,000 license holders went fishing in south dakotas lakes, streams, and reservoirs. The rearing and stocking of hatchery-produced fish must occur to meet the ever increasing demands on south dakotas fisheries resources. Fish produced in publicly owned hatcheries are critical to the creation, maintenance, and improvement of recreational fishing opportunities in the united states (jackson ET AL. 2004). Hatchery production and stocking in south dakota is predicted on the needs identified by fisheries managers. Fisheries population surveys, angler (creel) surveys, research, and human dimensions data are all used to determine the species, sizes, and locations of fish that will be raised and stocked.fish production and stocking is ultimately driven by numerous strategic plans developed by sdgfp. Currently, strategic plans have been completed for the department as a whole, as well as for the aquatics section. Withinthe aquatics section, the activities of each fisheries management area are directed by strategic plans, as ourhatchery operations. These strategic plans are routinely updated and used to formulate operational plans.sdgfp currently maintains and operates three full production hatcheries, two spawning stations, seven rearingponds, and numerous natural rearing areas. High demands for fish culture products continue as managers work to fulfill operational plans. Increased precipitation in recent years have created new and expanded opportunitiesfor fisheries. The amount of coldwater habitat in streams in the black hills has increased, and many easternsouth dakota lakes are greatly expanded in size. Hatchery fish are frequently used to quickly develop fisheriesin these situations. In addition, sdgfp has recently placed considerable emphasis on urban fisheries. These ponds and small lakes frequently do not have the habitat needed for fish reproduction, growth, and long-term survival. Hatchery-reared fish are frequently used to provide recreational opportunity in these waters located within or inclose-proximity to relatively large concentrations of people. The procedures and fish culture practices at hatcheries owned and operated by sdgfp are continually evaluated and improved as much as possible to maximize fish rearing efficiencies and the post-stocking survival of hatchery reared fish. The hatchery system is also continually challenged to meet the production requests from fisheries managers, who are in turn challenged to meet the expectations of the licensed anglers in south dakota. A balanced approach to fisheries management, including operation and maintenance of fish culture facilities, is critical to the future of recreational fishing in south dakota. This approach requires both maintaining and improving hatchery infrastructure. This project will maintain and improve the states main fish hatcheries, which are critical to management of fisheries in south dakota. Hatchery production of fish for stocking is essential for the ability of fisheries managers to meet the demands of the anglers fishing in south dakota waters.