REDEFINING THE TERM BROOK TROUT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
A New Hampshire legislator recently advanced a piece of legislation for an individual that would redefine the meaning of brook trout. While well-meaning, and timely as it opens the door for further discussion, it is not the way to do it for several reasons, and it is likely DOA.
“Fis 401.03 “Brook trout” means brook, rainbow, brown and golden trout, Loch Leven trout and all their hybrids.”
NFC recently put together a presentation that outlines the problem, while proposing a rational, thorough, and implementable solution. The intent is to find legislature to help bring the concept forward in a way that will accomplish the goals.
This is a complex and complicated problem that cannot be addressed by simply changing the definition of “brook trout” to mean brook trout only. Doing so would invalidate some level of water-specific regulations designed to protect rainbows and browns, as well as brook trout.
While NFC does not promote the protection of nonnative species, for a bill to be effective, and have any chance of passing, it needs to address everything, not just the philosophical stuff.