ABSTRACT
The success and implications of hatchery release programs are intimately tied to the reproductive capabilities of the hatchery fish in the wild. Moreover, reproductive interactions are important in understanding the ecological and genetic threats that hatchery fish may pose to wild populations. Reproductive success is a key to self-sustainability, shaping natural and sexual selection, and influencing the genetic diversity of populations and the implications of parental traits and decisions for offspring survival and success. We then address how rearing and release programs affect the reproductive traits and performance of fish. A review of such programs reveals that in the few cases where adequate assessments have been made released fish frequently fail to attain self-sustainability and/or contribute significantly to populations. Clearly, new approaches based on sound scientific research are needed and these need to be tailored specifically to the management objectives.