Illegal Stocking is a Multi-faceted Problem
Type of release |
Presumed purpose of introduction |
Examples |
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Aquarium and ornamentals |
To liberate or dispose of unwanted pets
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koi, pirahna, pacu, cichlids
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Bait bucket releases
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To liberate or dispose of unwanted bait after fishing
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minnows, amphibians, crayfish and other invertebrates
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Sport fish
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To establish or enhance a sport fishery
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northern pike, largemouth bass
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Forage enhancement
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To establish prey organisms, usually to increase growth of sport fish
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minnows, crayfish
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Live food fish
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To establish fisheries for the live food fish trade
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snakehead, bighead carp
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Harvestable fauna
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To establish or enhance harvestable populations for trade
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crayfish, frogs
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Escapes from commercial aquaculture
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None; introductions into public waters result from irresponsible aquacultural practices or improper regulatory oversight |
tilapia, salmonids
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Escapes from private waters
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None; introductions into public waters result from improper regulatory oversight
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any sport or food fish or other aquatic animal
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