The History of Stocking

I discuss the history of fish stocking from the earliest date for which I can find information to the present.  I discuss the intentions of stocking--for example, to increase angling opportunities, for commercial purposes, to replenish genetic variability into depleted wild populations, to re-establish endangered populations, to put fishes from the home regions of emigrants into local waters, and so on.  I discuss the effects stocking has had as well as its effectiveness in achieving its intended purposes, as well as criteria for evaluating the intent and results of stocking, such as its natural value, its recreational value, its commercial value, and so on.  These values can be negative as well as positive.  I discuss the attitudes towards stocking of fishery agencies, anglers, and the public. I conclude that stocking has had mixed results at best.  In some cases the survival of endangered species has been made more likely and in some cases angling opportunities have been enhanced without significant other environmental damage.  However, in some cases, stocking has had serious adverse environmental consequences and has hastened or been the primary cause of the demise of native fish populations.