Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery Completes Major Invasive Species Remediation Project
Jones Hole National Fish Hatchery in Vernal, Utah, has successfully completed an extensive remediation project to combat an infestation of New Zealand mudsnails. These invasive snails were first detected in the early 2020s following a flood and subsequently found in fish-rearing units in 2025. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initiated a comprehensive effort to eliminate the infestation, improve water management, and enhance the hatchery's defenses against future invasive species. Remediation involved removing and transferring fish, pressure washing, disinfecting facilities with hot water, and allowing treated raceways to dry. Additionally, infrastructure improvements were made, including copper treatments, upgrades to water-control systems, modifications to raceway bypasses, and spring rehabilitation. The project also established Environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring locations for ongoing surveillance. Jones Hole Hatchery is crucial for supporting recreational fisheries, Tribal trust responsibilities, and...
