Developing a Regional Strategy to Curtail Illegal Stocking of Sport Fish and Baitfish
Channel: Conservation and Adaptation Resources Toolbox
Date: 2022-03-25

Stocking by state agencies to establish new fish populations outside of native ranges has declined  greatly  since  1980.  Even  so,  illegal  fish  introductions  by  non-professionals continues  and  is,  in  part,  likely  the  result  of  four  historical  failings  in  the  fisheries  profession: (1) sanctioned introductions of fishes outside their native ranges to enhance recreational  fishing,  giving  anglers  the  impression  that  perceived  fishery  shortcomings  can  be  remedied  simply  by  stocking,  (2)  ineffective  outreach  and  education  that  have  resulted in a lack of angler awareness on this issue, (3) inadequate deterrents that have played down the seriousness of this problem among anglers and within the legal system, and (4) inappropriate regulatory responses that have tacitly condoned and even rewarded illegal action. In 2020, members of the Colorado River Fish and Wildlife Council began developing a Strategic Plan to Curtail Illegal Fish Movement designed to (1) mitigate the expansion of nuisance invasive fish populations, (2) improve administrative and political support  for  interstate  containment  efforts,  (3)  increase  the  consistency  of  proactive  prevention and reactive responses to illegal fish movement, and (4) increase public buy-in for halting illegal fish movement and subsequent control efforts. 

Presented by Craig Walker, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
March 24, 2022