Movement Patterns of Hatchery-Reared Juvenile and Adult Brook Trout in a Long Island, NY Stream Observed Via Radiotracking

Our goal is to document and understand the success of acclimation of hatchery-reared brook trout to formerly native habitats. Shu Swamp Preserve is part of the Oyster Bay Stewardship area and contains Beaver Brook, the only officially recognized spawning ground of brook trout in western Long Island. Beaver Brook empties into Beaver Lake, which exits via a spillway into the Mill Neck estuary. Beginning in the early 2000’s, adult and fingerling trout provided by Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery were released into Beaver Brook. Reintroduction efforts have shown success; since 2008, YOY have been observed in late winter/early spring. In this study we aim to compare movement and habitat selection of hatchery-reared and resident brook trout.  Since June 2012 we have radio-tagged 27 immature and 5 adult hatchery-reared trout and plan to tag up to 10 resident trout this spring and summer.  Locations of radio-tagged fish are determined twice weekly. Radio-tagged hatchery-reared trout typically moved downstream upon release (mean = 228 m). During the life of the tag, trout tended to establish 1-3 residencies (mean residency time = 12 days). Residencies were interrupted by translocations from 10-430 m in distance.