Could Federal Hatcheries Be In Peril

[Danoinark]

Discussion at this link about the chances of Federal Hatcheries' budgets being drastically cut. This comes up it seems during every budget cycle. But there seems to be more concern this time around.

http://flyfishingarkansasandmissouri.yuku.com/topic/6967/KTLO-Reports-Possible-Budget-Cuts---Closure--Norfork-Hatcher?page=1

[exiledguide]

Discussion at this link about the chances of Federal Hatcheries' budgets being drastically cut. This comes up it seems during every budget cycle. But there seems to be more concern this time around.

http://flyfishingarkansasandmissouri.yuku.com/topic/6967/KTLO-Reports-Possible-Budget-Cuts---Closure--Norfork-Hatcher?page=1

Yep, every administration since the 80's sends up trial baloons to see what can be cut with least amount of political fall out. If we don't let the folks in Washington know we want to keep our outdoors for our use don't expect people in NY citi or LA to care about it. The percentage of the population fishing or hunting keeps declining. I know I'll be on the phone Tuesday.

[flytyer57]

But there seems to be more concern this time around.

Why would you say that? It would seem that everyone is worried about the funding they receive and this happens during every budget debate.

[Danoinark]

Why would you say that? It would seem that everyone is worried about the funding they receive and this happens during every budget debate.

I presume its the economic climate. We'll see.

[Danoinark]

...and maybe it is just someone crying wolf, but these folks are a bit worried.

http://lobolandingresort.com/blog/?p=50

[Tim Smith]

...and maybe it is just someone crying wolf, but these folks are a bit worried.

http://lobolandingresort.com/blog/?p=50

The current congress has made some promises and if they don't start shutting some things down they can't possibly deliver. Hatcheries can make arguments that they are economic drivers, but that's the same kind of "stimulus" that was just rejected by the electorate.

For people who care about fishing, it's time to start thinking about ways to have a sustainable past-time without being on the government dole.

[ozark trout fisher]

I have the feeling that the days of so many millions of trout being produced by federal hatcheries will be coming to an end-unless things turn around economically. Even if the hatcheries aren't affected this time, if these economic times continue, we are going to see a drastic reduction in the number of federal hatchery fish we see. And that may be a blessing when it comes right down to it. Less hatchery fish and more native/wild fish.

Missouri trout anglers had better be happy that most of our fish aren't federals- at least outside of Taneycomo. With our state trout program being self-sustaining or nearly so, we should be safe for the time being.

[Tim Smith]

Even if the hatcheries aren't affected this time, if these economic times continue, we are going to see a drastic reduction in the number of federal hatchery fish we see. And that may be a blessing when it comes right down to it. Less hatchery fish and more native/wild fish.

Exactly.

But that also means getting expectations in line with what a native/wild fishery can actually do.

Not everyone is quite that grown up yet and there will be growing pains ahead.

[ollie]

At least Neosho got all its upgrades while it could!

[ozark trout fisher]

Exactly.

But that also means getting expectations in line with what a native/wild fishery can actually do.

Not everyone is quite that grown up yet and there will be growing pains ahead.

No doubt about it. But I think more more native and wild fish will be better in the end. That is with the exception of the tailwaters where natives will never be a significant part of the fish population again. That will be where the devastating effects of possible hatchery closures would take effect.

Right now I am more glad than ever that I am a freestone fisherman, because I don't foresee good times ahead for federal hatchery dependant tailwater fisheries. I honestly hope that I am wrong, but I guess we'll see. I am not the most fond of the tailwater fisheries, but I understand that many love them and for that reason I don't want to see them negatively impacted. But I just am not sure it can be helped.