We've known for years that domesticated hatchery fish aren't much good in the wild. But newer, better hatcheries that spawn wild fish are said to be...well...newer and better. A new study says that even one or two generations in a hatchery reduces the fitness of steelhead (salmon cousin). This study supports recent decisions that hatchery fish should not be counted in considering whether salmon or trout require protection as threatened or endangered species.
We've made a gross error in the northwest, in relying on hatcheries to compensate for habitat destruction. We were warned, but the attraction was too great. We bought the promise that we could have overdeveloped rivers and salmon too. It didn't work, and there were voices raised at the time that said it wouldn't work. I hope we learn our lesson someday. Tweet
3 comments:
i hope that someday is soon.....very soon.
Hey Mark--
I'm the other "fish guy" (aka, Skyla's Dad) you met in the parking area at L & G. I do some work with El Pescador, and he sent this to me. Great work, thoroughly enjoyed spinning through the blog. I've been working on some similar stuff--I'd like to send you a draft of the latest article I've been toiling away on--it addresses some of the same issues. What's the best way to get it to you? Is there an e-mail address somewhere on here?
Peace,
Dylan
Dylan, thanks for coming by blogfish, my email address is in my profile, it's:
mpowell (at) oceanconservancy (dot) org
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