Thousands of Trout Die at Maryland’s Albert Powell Fish Hatchery Due to Intentional Valve Closure

Cover Photo: File photo of a fish hatchery.

HAGERSTOWN, MD News (4/20/2023) – On the morning of April 17th, employees at the Albert Powell Fish Hatchery in Maryland made a shocking discovery. They found that one of the discharge valves in one of the raceways at the hatchery had been closed, resulting in the death of thousands of trout.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 am when employees arrived for their morning shift. Upon conducting routine checks, they noticed that the water levels in one of the raceways were significantly lower than usual. Further investigation revealed that the discharge valve had been intentionally closed, cutting off the flow of water to the raceway and leading to the death of thousands of fish.

The Albert Powell Fish Hatchery is an important facility that plays a crucial role in supporting the state’s fish population. The hatchery raises various types of fish, including trout, and releases them into lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Maryland. The hatchery also serves as a vital resource for anglers and fishing enthusiasts in the area.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has launched an investigation into the incident and is seeking information from the public. They have issued a plea for anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and call the hotline at 410-260-8888.

The loss of thousands of trout is not only devastating for the hatchery but also has a significant impact on the environment. The trout play an essential role in the food chain of local waterways and the loss of such a large number of fish can have far-reaching consequences.

The incident at the Albert Powell Fish Hatchery serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural resources and the need for increased vigilance in safeguarding them. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is committed to ensuring that those responsible for this incident are held accountable for their actions.

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