Presentation of information on AZ Game and Fish Department's maintenance of Fish Hatcheries & a letter of support request from Gila County.
Background Information
Every year the Arizona Game and Fish Department (Department) produces an average of 385,000 pounds of fish and stocks them in 118 locations throughout Arizona including the Colorado River and urban waters in 21 communities. Almost all trout harvested in Arizona are stocked from one of the six hatcheries owned and operated by the Department.
The Department is proposing a $3 million hatchery investment in their FY 2021 budget and intend to approach other counties, cities, business and conservation groups to support their efforts. Budget approval is contingent upon support by the Governor and the state legislature.
The Department does not receive any state general funds -- they generate their own revenues through hunting and fish licenses and other fees. The six fish hatcheries, which include Canyon and Tonto Creek hatcheries in Gila County, are a big part of their “serving the public” success so it is critical that the Department manages these hatcheries wisely to ensure that they continue to generate revenue and fish experiences for the state.
Evaluation
Threats from wildfires, water quality and disease prevention are a few challenges hatchery operations face while striving to serve a growing population with an aging hatchery infrastructure. Last renovated more than 25 years ago, the Department’s fish hatcheries are in clear need of major maintenance and updates to maintain current levels of production.
Also, the hatcheries support the recovery of endangered species in our state’s waterways including native Gila and Apache trout. The continued presence of native trout and opportunities for sport fishing in our waters depend on the ability of these hatcheries to produce enough fish to preserve imperiled populations and to meet angler demand. According to the Department, the current increase in the demand for sport fish in Arizona, a decrease in hatchery water supplies and the current state of hatchery infrastructure result in an annual shortfall of approximately 110,000 pounds of trout and 230,000 pounds of warm water sport fish. The 350,000+ anglers who pursue fishing opportunities in Arizona spend over $950 million on equipment and trip-related expenditures alone.
As a whole, recreational sport fishing produces $1.47 billion in economic benefits and supports 20,038 jobs for the state of Arizona. The majority of these recreation driven jobs are located in rural Arizona. These hatcheries directly contribute to our local economies in Gila County.
Conclusion
A draft letter of support for Arizona Game and Fish Department's plans for maintenance of Fish Hatcheries is being presented to the Board of Supervisors.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that a letter of support be provided to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for their plans to update hatchery infrastructure that will enhance the preservation of our state's unique fish populations, continue growth of healthy outdoor recreation, further bolster Arizona's economy, and contribute to our local economies in Gila County.
Suggested Motion
Information/Discussion/Action to provide a letter of support for the Arizona Game and Fish Department's plans to update hatchery infrastructure that will enhance the preservation of our state's unique fish populations, continue growth of healthy outdoor recreation, further bolster Arizona's economy, and contribute to our local economies in Gila County. (James Menlove)