Slow Moving Domestic Trout Caught Using Speed Trap

Photo: Peter Potrowl

Further proof hatchery fish suck.

Washington State University researchers have documented dramatic differences in the swimming ability of domesticated trout and their wilder relatives. The study calls into question the ability of hatcheries to mitigate more than a century of disturbances to wild fish populations.

LINK (via: RedOrbit)

Feds, Oregon Defend Sandy River Hatchery Management Plans

The latest from the state and federal cold dead hands deparment.

“Plaintiffs have not demonstrated that they are likely to succeed on the merits, nor have they demonstrated irreparable harm to naturally produced fish in the Sandy basin from the 2014 releases; in fact the relief they request would likely result in irreparable harm to the listed hatchery stocks, and would have dramatic impacts on the Sandy fishery and local economy,” the state’s filing says.

LINK (via: The Columbia Basin Bulletin)

If hatchery fish will just bite more often

Editorial comment courtesy of the Coen brothers.

LINK (via: Oregon Live)

Two popular North Puget Sound rivers closing for steelhead fishing

Two northern Puget Sound rivers are closing from Jan. 6-31 for steelhead since hatcheries aren’t meeting winter steelhead spawning escapement goals.

LINK (via: The Seattle Times)

The Olympic Penninsula is not fairing much better.

Difference in Lateral Line Morphology Between Hatchery- and Wild-Origin Steelhead

A comparison of hatchery fish (left) sensing capacity vs. wild fish (right) sensing capacity.

A new report explores the hypothesis that hatchery-reared juveniles might exhibit morphological defects in vulnerable mechanosensory systems prior to release from the hatchery, potentiating reduced survival after release.

As you might expect hatchery fish suck in the sensory department. 

LINK (via:The Wild Steelhead Coalition)

If you believe you have consumed or handled these fish...

...then it is recommended that you should immediately seek medical attention.

One more reason you should never steal hatchery fish.

Forty-two summer chinook were stolen from the Colville Reservation hatchery, which opened two months ago. Colville tribal officials say the fish are not safe to eat or handle because they were treated with a cancer-causing agent.

LINK (via: The Seattle Times)