Closure of federal hatcheries feared

Monday, Oct. 18, 1999 | 10:54 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Possible closure of federal hatcheries could mean reduced catches in lakes and streams in Nevada for an estimated 152,000 fishermen.

Gene Weller, chief of fisheries for the state Wildlife Division, estimates about half of the eggs used to stock the waters in Nevada come from the federal fisheries.

"What the (U.S. Fish and Wildlife) Service is doing is quietly moving the emphasis of their hatcheries from raising trout, raising fish for sportsmen to raising endangered species," said Weller.

In addition, he said, a move is afoot to close hatcheries altogether. "There is a lot of hatchery bashing out there," he said. "A few elitist groups want to do away with the hatcheries."

He voiced his concern before the Legislative Committee on Marlette Lake, which met Friday in Carson City. If the federal government abandons its hatcheries, "It affects us dearly," he said.

"As soon as that dries up, we would be in a world of hurt."

His statements came as he discussed the problems with trout spawning at Marlette Lake in the mountains between Carson City and Lake Tahoe. The state must be ready to pick up the slack if the federal hatcheries close their doors or change their emphasis, he said.

After the meeting, he noted that the federal government is a big supplier of eggs for Lake Mead.

"Most of the production down south in the Lake Mead Hatchery is done with federal eggs," he said. "That's a pretty good chunk."

About half of the statewide production comes from federal hatcheries. But Weller said it's important to note the state would look for other sources of eggs to stock the lakes and streams if the federal supply is cut off.

David Rice, conservation education chief for the state division, said 152,347 fishing licenses have been issued this year, including licenses issued to out-of-state residents. Of the total, 120,000 are for only fishing and the remainder are combination hunting and fishing permits.

A public opinion poll for the state division shows the program of fish stocking is popular. "People like to catch hatchery fish. And they like to catch wild fish," Weller said.

The division, he said, has "to be on top of this" so it's ready to move if the federal government pulls out of the fish hatchery business.

The state has written the federal agency numerous letters expressing its concern, he said.

"The answer is 'It's under evaluation.' You've heard that before," Weller said. "I don't want to sound like an alarmist, but it's something we must watch very closely."

The yield of rainbow trout eggs from Marlette Lake has decreased in recent years because of the heavy winters, the committee was told. Last year the division took only 150,000 eggs, but it needs 250,000 to 300,000 to help keep Nevada lakes and rivers stocked. Weller said the snow was so deep that the division can't get into the lake until June when the spawning season is half over.

Marlette Lake is only one of several state sources. Nevada also gets surplus eggs from other states.