06/05/2026
In honor of National Environment Day, R. C. Stevens highlights the Florida Fish and Wildlife (FWC) Apollo Beach Hatchery Project.
The build-out consisted of an addition/expansion of the Marine Fisheries Enhancement Center, where multiple species of fish are bred and released back into estuaries to protect and advance the health of Florida's ecosystem.
The aquaculture system carefully monitors the quality of seawater, freshwater, and sewage produced by the fish while tracking the temperatures and lighting for an optimal living environment.
The R. C. Stevens team constructed a 14,000 SF build-out comprised of an office, lab, and hatchery as well as a 5,640 SF prefabricated metal building. Eight existing tanks were upgraded, and six new tanks were incorporated. During this project, R. C. Stevens implemented a phased construction approach to complete both the build-out and hatchery expansion concurrently.
Man-made and environmental stress factors put Florida’s ecosystem at risk. Hatcheries like these can allow for a lower mortality rate whilst these species of fish bypass their fragile state during adolescence. The fish are given a safe space to grow and thrive before they are released into their respective environments, giving the population a chance to regenerate and the environment to flourish.