Wild vs Hatchery....(???)
Digger,.... I feel the same way about that post. However, I'm not sure what the debate is. :? :?
If I understand the comment, correctly, the presence of hatchery fish creates a sense that wild fish are of less value and allows us to wade thru redds and snag fish without pangs of conscience....(OSF, please forgive me if I've misstated the intent of your post). 8) 8) I suppose for some that point of view might be validated by numbers rather than by quality of the fishery. 8) 8) After all, there's still nothing illegal about where fisherman wade or the introduction of hatchery fish. Apparently, the CA legislature and all those who supported AB 7 (re: gauranteed hatchery funding, passed last year) agrees with that position, as well. 8)
I would prefer a quality fishery for the American River (whether hatchery based or natural spawned). IMHO, most Steelheaders on this BB want a completely natural spawn. A laudible goal but probably not realistic; given that we're located in a major population center and below a set of very large and complete blockages to historic spawning areas. :( :( Sooooo, it seems to me that lamenting the presence of hatchery fish is not likely to solve the problem of people wading thru redds. 8) 8)
That brings me to one of my questions in an earlier post.... What is the impact of Steelhead spawning activities in crowded conditions on Salmon and/or earlier Steelhead redds :?: :?: Do these later spawners cancel out earlier, natural spawners :?: :?: :?: Haven't seen any comments on this yet. :? :?
Re: Wild vs Hatchery....(???)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Darian
If I understand the comment, correctly, the presence of hatchery fish creates a sense that wild fish are of less value and allows us to wade thru redds and snag fish without pangs of conscience....(OSF, please forgive me if I've misstated the intent of your post). 8) 8) I suppose for some that point of view might be validated by numbers rather than by quality of the fishery. 8) :?
No forgivenss necessary. Sometimes it's hard to put things in writing and I don't always have the time or proper mindset to make myself clear.
First and foremost, I do not condone the disturbance of spawning fish, period. That includes stomping on redds and other 'nursuries' created by game/sport fish. Nothing makes it right, but my thoughts stated below make it tolerable.
My comments were driven by the "numbers" (vs "quality") in conjunction with my adjusted perception of the river.(see below) I do prefer "quality" myself, but I am also a realist.
I mean no disrespect to the American River, but I see the river for what it is or has become, which is a river severely shortened in length by a dam or series of dams. The steelhead and salmon fishery, in my view, became artificial when the dams blocked fish migration to their native spawning grounds.
I guess you can say my expectations of what I experience on that river are adjusted so that I just enjoy myself and not let my day get ruined no matter what I see or hear.
If I want to insure a fishing experience that is "quality", I'm resigned to the fact that I have to travel afar and typically outside of CA, far from the insanity of this State's fisheries management, or lack thereof.
Indigenous vs Non-Native Species....
As usual, Covelo's and other's comments are thought provoking and I certainly do enjoy these discussions. :D :D
I find myself agreeing with much of what is said, in terms indigenous species vs non-native, philosophically. However, I'm a believer in adaption and survival as they apply to non-native species.
On that basis, I'm accepting of certain non-native species (e.g. Stripers, Shad, Black Bass, Sunnies, etc.) and the contribution they make to enjoyment of fishing and local economies. 8) 8) Nor do I devalue indigenous species.... I jusr don't fish for them as much and don't attribute any more difficulty to catching one over another. By that I mean that I don't believe that Steelhead or Salmon are much more difficult to catch than a Striper. After all,neither has a brain much larger than the size of a pea. :lol: :lol:
There is no doubt about Stripers (....and black bass for that matter) preying on Smolts stocked where Bass live. These smolts are hatchery fish and are an easy target as they have not been exposed to large predators prior to stocking. Nor is it likely they have the instincts of a wild born fish. Altho I have no proof of it, I'd venture to say that were Salmon/Steelhead in the area where hatchery fish were being stocked, they'd feed on them, too. :? :? To me, this is just an example of natural adaption and survival.
Once a non-native species is established, as Stripers are, they inhabit an acceptable habitat for their survival. 8) 8) That was what I was referring to when I mentioned the loss of habitat. IMHO, it's too late to say that a non-native species cannot experience loss of habitat as it never had one, here. Clearly, Stripers are established and have occupied their niche here for a lengthy period of time. 8) 8) 8)