Illegal stocking of aquatic organisms: How can you help?

Outlaw Anglers, Eco-vandals, and Selfish Know-it-alls are Ruining Your Fisheries!

How can you help?

Turn in violators– Agencies can’t stop illegal stocking alone, they need the eyes and ears of concerned anglers and others
Don’t transfer fish between waters– it’s illegal and you could be transferring diseases or other invasive species along with the fish
Don’t use live fish, crayfish, or amphibians as bait, or if you do, don’t release them at the end of the day– this increases the risk of establishing nonnative species in new waters
Obtain a permit to stock fish, and buy fingerlings from a registered hatchery to prevent contamination with unwanted species and diseases.
Don’t return prohibited fish species to the water (but be sure to obey local fishing regulations)
Prevent unwanted hitchhikers – check, clean, and dry boats and gear between waters. Ensuring your boat and trailer are free of weeds and water before re-launching can reduce the possibility of spreading nonnative fish eggs and juveniles.
Support habitat restoration (which can help native fauna outcompete nonnative fishes)
Support native fish restoration programs with your local angling group.
Report nonnative species you see outside of their known distribution to your local fishery management agency. Freeze the specimen for biologists if possible.

This site produced by Dr. Brett Johnson, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Professor at Colorado State University.

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