The Doon DSFB asked for our assistance to stock some of their fry out in the upper catchment. While we remain unconvinced of the results and real benefits of of hatchery stocking, there can at times be justification for it and if it’s done properly, should hopefully this brings some beneficial results.
As these fish were still on the yolk sack, they are alevins and have had limited conditioning in the hatchery. Hopefully they will survive in the various location we put them and we will check later this year. The areas we stocked will have little competition from other fish and hopefully few predator birds to deplete the numbers quickly. In all the locations we stocked, the habitat was pristine and uncompromised. These fish will have the best possible opportunity to thrive.
In all, we stocked 13500 alevins today and will put another 7000 out tomorrow. After that, its down to the DSFB to release the remainder which will be fed on, for some time.