page_title: Introduced trout in lake ecosystems
section_title: Compromise – low density stocking
hierarchical_section_title: Introduced trout in lake ecosystems / High lake fish management / Compromise – low density stocking
caption_attribution_description: English: Low density stocking practices reduce impact on biota and improve quality of fishing.
context_page_description: Since the recession of the last glaciation, isolated bodies of water high in mountain crevasses have been topographically separated from fish. Within Washington state a number of lakes in the Olympic and Cascade Mountains have been stocked since the early 20th century. Prior to the existence of a state wildlife management agency, the U.S. Forest Service stocked mountain lakes with rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and eastern brook trout. High lake management of this era largely focused on improving sport fishing opportunities and secondarily establishing ecological balance. Natural reproduction of fish species, especially eastern brook trout, has led to overpopulation and “stunting” from starvation in low nutrient environments. The result has been decreased interest from fishermen, while causing large, negative impacts on natural lake biota. Addressing concerns for biodiversity can positively impact agendas for the conservation of species, as well as high lakes fishery management.
context_section_description: Many practices in fish management that took place in the early 20th century serve as lessons and reminders that careful attention must be paid to fragile lake ecosystems. As debate continues over biodiversity in mountain lakes there will likely be a compromise required for success. One approach is low-density fish stocking. This requires baseline surveys that assess a lake's abiotic and biotic factors before stocking any trout species. Likewise, with reduced numbers of trout going into lakes there is less environmental impact and greater opportunity for recreational fishing. Fish grow to greater sizes due to lack of competition for food and there are not enough fish present to negatively impact biota. Additional efforts are being made to avoid easily reproducing species of trout, as well as stocking sterile triploid fish. By introducing species that do not reproduce the fish are of the same age class and will eventually die, therefore allowing biota to recover. Reproducing fish put continual pressure on the biota of the lake. Overall the debate continues as lake management plans vary on a case to case basis and require reevaluation as species populations fluctuate.
caption: Low density stocking practices reduce impact on biota and improve quality of fishing.
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