National Fish Hatcheries Produce Fish That Fuel Economic Engine

Written by Administrator

Tuesday, 15 January 2008

Any ardent angler can testify to the spiritual nature of a rising rainbow trout. The fish is named for its iridescent pinkish-red stripe, and even its early scientific name made reference to the mythological Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris. She personified the coming together of sky and earth ­ a messenger to the heavens. Casting to a rising rainbow trout does more than serve up spiritual food that sticks to your ribs. Fishing for rainbow trout reels in big bucks. A peer-reviewed study by economist Dr. James Caudill of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service shows that when you toss a lure toward a rainbow trout produced by a National Fish Hatchery, you're also fueling an economic engine that can drive for the long haul. Here's a snap shot of what Dr. Caudill found; his research was based on stocking information and a dollar's value in 2004. He included only stocking information from 11 National Fish Hatcheries producing largest quantities of rainbow trout among the 70 National Fish Hatcheries across the country. Those 11 hatcheries that year raised 9.4 million rainbow trout, providing nearly four million angler-days on the water. Retail sales on things associated with fishing for rainbow trout, like food, gas, lodging, rods and reels, and bait and tackle amounted to $172.7 million. That spending provided employment for 3,502 people and income of $80 million. Those wage earners contributed back to public treasuries ­ $2.9 million in state income taxes, and $10.6 million in federal income taxes. The bottom line is that fishing for rainbow trout generated a total economic output of $325.1 million in one year. Taxpayers that fund the National Fish Hatchery System paid $5.4 million to produce rainbow trout. This means that for every dollar spent on rainbow trout production, it rises up through the economy fueling $32.20 in retail sales and $36.88 in net economic value. This is not a cost-benefit analysis, but it is clear that rainbow trout coming from the National Fish Hatcheries provide a significant economic stimulus. Trout are not created equal. Hatchery-bred rainbow trout express the imprint of scientists in the various strains that exist, and they are not as generic as you might believe. The various strains have specific fisheries management purposes helping biologists meet specific needs in the modified habitats where they are stocked. One strain under development at Ennis National Fish Hatchery in Montana shows promise in a resistance to Whirling Disease. And not all rainbow trout are meant for a quick put-and-take, some grow to trophy size and do so quickly. The Arlee and Shasta strains, named for waters from which they were developed, are the biggest of rainbows ­ they can reach 30 pounds in four years. Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery, in partnership with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, puts rainbow trout in 46 waters across the state with a dozen of those lakes and rivers turning up two-foot-long trout, tipping the scales at five to 15 pounds. Rainbow trout are by far the most popular cold water sports fish in the U.S., and offer many people a portal to angling and nature they'd otherwise not have. Anglers of every stripe seek rainbow trout in nearly every state in the Union, and when they do, you know that the effects are felt in the mom-and-pop business, rising up through the corporate board room.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 15 January 2008 )

 

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