Trout jeopardized by unauthorized stocking and relocation
Moving aquatic species to other water bodies can lead to issues with introducing invasive species.
Donated photo
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission asks the public to refrain from the illegal practice of moving inland fish, specifically mountain trout, to other mountain water bodies as it can result in altering healthy habitats and negatively impact the agency’s ongoing aquatic conservation efforts.
Moving aquatic species to other water bodies can lead to issues with introducing invasive species, also referred to as aquatic nuisance species.
North Carolina requires a stocking permit to stock any fish into North Carolina’s public waters.
NCWRC biologists are working with partners to bring brook trout back to their native waters by using cutting-edge research on genetics and fish populations to help move the right fish to the right places.
NCWRC maintains a robust trout management program and is taking actions to evaluate trout populations across the mountains to identify any potential storm-related impacts.
“Our staff have been monitoring streams and watersheds in Helene’s destructive path to determine its impact to our wild trout,” said Mountain Region Fishery Supervisor Doug Besler. “We are finding trout at locations where they were known to exist before the storm, which is encouraging. And we will continue to sample water bodies in western North Carolina for any long-term impacts that may have occurred due to this storm.”
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NCWRC has partnered with Native Fish Coalition and U.S. Forest Service in outreach efforts to inform the public about the dangers of relocating fish. Plans are underway to post signage at various water body access points. NCWRC also has a longstanding relationship with Trout Unlimited to advance trout conservation.
“We are hearing encouraging reports from biologists, guides and our anglers that trout are doing well in many streams,” said Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited President Bruce Jones. “Unfortunately, we are also hearing that some individuals are moving fish from one stream to another, which is not a good idea and unnecessary.”
To report illegal fish stocking or any wildlife violation, call NCWRC Law Enforcement at 800.662.7137 or submit information online.
Learn more about NCWRC’s management, conservation efforts, stocking schedules and other resources on the agency’s “Trout Page.”
