Depredation permits can be obtained but these are not usually timely or effective. Considerable need exists to develop improved bird management techniques. Where bird numbers exceed wild food supplies, hence allowing for excessive farmed trout depredation, these numbers must be reduced. The USDA Animal Control program should be encouraged to actively develop non-lethal control measures. Adequate water quality is also important for ensuring financially successful production.
Environmental stewardship is the responsibility of each trout producer.
Trout production does have the potential to contribute plant nutrients, settleable and suspended solids, and drugs to effluent streams. The impact of these pollutants on the receiving stream is highly variable. Regulatory decisions must be based on credible science and risk assessment. A thorough understanding of trout effluent impact must be evaluated relative to upriver conditions and biological response. Risk assessment must account for socio-economic, health and biological impact.