Salmon and Trout: Natural and Artificial Propagation as Factors in the Maintenance of Stocks

Abstract

The object of fishery regulations whether statutory or departmental is, in the ultimate, conservation. That is to say, it is sought by the imposition of certain restrictions to ensure such a run of fish for breeding purposes as will increase or at least maintain the stocks. Many citizens profess dissatisfaction with the existing stocks of fish in our rivers and lakes and persistently urge that they should be enhanced by all practical means. Generally the method which suggests itself to such persons is the setting up of a hatchery, to be operated either by stripping fish captured locally or by procuring supplies of ova (eggs) from outside sources. There seems to be a rather widespread belief that such a procedure even on a modest scale is bound to produce immediately beneficial results for the waters concerned. In other words, the operation of a hatchery is expected to offset completely the evils of over-fishing, as well as the damage resulting from illegal activities (whether within or outside the fishing season) and the reduction in stocks caused by predatory birds, fish and mammals added to the pollution of waters by the entrance of deleterious matter. Such a belief is, however, fallacious as it cannot be accepted in any degree without serious reservation.