Healthy streams good for fish and for business
Dave Nihart of the state Fish and Boat Commission recently shared some observations with the region’s chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Nihart, as Friday’s edition of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette reported, clarified a long-simmering misperception that stocked trout compete with stream-bred trout, having a negative impact on the more natural populations.
“Competition is not as big a deal as many think,” Nihart told Trout Unlimited.
That’s good news for everyone — regardless of whether they fish or not. Trout stocking helps Pennsylvanians and visitors who fish have an enjoyable experience, motivating them to come back to fish more often. That helps Pennsylvania position itself as a fishing destination, drawing tourism dollars to our businesses.
Tourism, according to the state government’s data, directly supports more than 330,000 jobs in Pennsylvania.
Nihart said stream conditions are a much bigger factor in maintaining trout populations, both stream-bred and stocked.
Tree canopies to keep stream waters cool help. Erosion prevention and other measures to keep sediment out of streams help too.
We hope to see the state continue to monitor and improve stream health. It’s not only good for the environment and ecological diversity but good for maintaining a healthy diversity in employers and business opportunities as well.