Unlimited Trout: A Bad Idea
A stocked rainbow trout, the most moved around fish in America. (Bob Mallard)
As I have said for years, the idea that trout should be unlimited is flawed, and at the root, directly and indirectly, of many of our nonnative fish woes. In some cases it’s the biological impact that is most concerning, in others it’s the message.
While in the case noted in the article below, nonnative trout are apparently not being stocked over native trout, they are being stocked over other native fish species. And by state fish and game with help from a local fish conservation organization. What if it were nonnative bass over native trout?
As far as messaging goes, we all, including state fish and game agencies, conservation groups, and advocates, condemn the illegal introduction of nonnative fish, while we condone, encourage, and even participate in it when it is done legally. Is there really a difference?