SAA Students Learn About Conservation Through Visits to Texas Parks & Wildlife Fish Hatcheries

Posted May 10, 2023

This spring, San Antonio Academy students are being taught about conservation, restocking efforts, and the importance of protecting marine life by visiting Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Fish Hatcheries. The hatcheries are responsible for raising millions of fish each year for stocking into the public waters of Texas.

In early April, 3rd-grade Outdoor Leadership students visited the A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery in San Marcos. The hatchery is operated by Texas Parks & Wildlife and specializes in freshwater fish. During the trip, the boys were given a presentation by TPWD staff on what it takes to produce fish in a hatchery and were introduced to the different freshwater and saltwater hatcheries throughout the state.

The boys were also taught about TPWD's Lunker Share Program, which focuses on restocking local public access ponds. The boys learned about the fish spawning and hatchery program and how it plays a crucial role in the conservation of Texas' fish populations. 

6th and 7th graders headed to the CCA Marine Development Center in Corpus Christi, which specializes in saltwater fish and produces redfish, flounder, and speckle trout to restock along the Texas Coast.

During the trip, the boys learned about conservation, TPWD fish spawning, and hatchery programs, as well as the restocking efforts along the Texas coast after last year's freeze. The boys also participated in a catch-and-release opportunity in the brood ponds, where they could catch redfish, black drum, sheepshead, and speckle trout. Through this activity, they learned how to handle fish properly and use barbless hooks.

Thank you to Coach Leon McNeil, SAA's Outdoor Leadership Teacher, for continuing to organize such unique opportunities for our students to gain an appreciation of the great outdoors.