Restocking of salmonids - Opportunities and limitations

Stocking can be a cost effective method of enhancing salmonid populations, in particular where the aim is to restore populations or mitigate against developments. There are risks associated with any intervention and it is suggested that all stockings undergo risk screening in order to identify the high risk areas. The main concern regarding stocking relates to the impact on the genetic fitness of the wild population, and proposals to minimise the impact while still maintaining a fishery are made. To ensure that the greatest benefit from a stocking programme is realised, stocking rates should be optimal for the type of habitat being stocked. How this can be determined is presented together with guidelines for stocking different types of habitat. Benefit, in terms of cost of adult return or per adult fish caught, enables comparisons to be made with other management options. Information on survival rates of wild and hatchery-reared fish, unit cost of production and the economic value of fish and fishing is summarised enabling simple estimates of cost: benefit to be determined.