12-24-2008, 12:10 PM
The Pacific Rivers Council and the Center for Biological Diversity recently sued the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) over non-native fish stocking. These stocking programs have been used as a management tool for more than 100 years. The groups filed the lawsuit over concerns regarding depredation of the native frog population and that no Environmental Impact Report (EIR) had been completed for the programs. The result was a court order barring the DFG from non-native stocking until it completed an EIR in January 2010.
After weeks of negotiation between the DFG and the plaintiffs, a new order was signed in late November allowing the DFG to stock more waters than would have been allowed under the first ruling. This is an important modification for areas where communities depend on fishing. ASA's position is that it is unnecessary to label trout and other stocked species as "non-native" due to the longevity of the stocking program. The stocked species have a very high recreational value and contribute significantly to local economies.
After weeks of negotiation between the DFG and the plaintiffs, a new order was signed in late November allowing the DFG to stock more waters than would have been allowed under the first ruling. This is an important modification for areas where communities depend on fishing. ASA's position is that it is unnecessary to label trout and other stocked species as "non-native" due to the longevity of the stocking program. The stocked species have a very high recreational value and contribute significantly to local economies.