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We have received reports that both the Burlington and Quinebaug
trout hatcheries are facing major problems.
Burlington is reported suffering large losses of trout numbering
in the tens of thousands per year due to predation from avian
predators. Control methods such as noisemakers have been
stopped because of complaints from neighbors. Coverings for
the ponds are an option. However, budget cutbacks have precluded
a major investment by the agency to cover all ponds. Trout
Unlimited has funded some coverings, and our Council is looking
into what we can do to help.
Quinebaug is suffering from declining quality and quantity of fresh
water supply. It is no longer possible to produce the number, size
or quality of trout for the fisheries program that are needed.
Major improvements in water supply infrastructure are needed to
correct this situation. Again, budget shortfalls preclude immediate
attention to the problem. The short-term solution appears to be
changes to the existing fish culture practices at the hatchery.
This will mean a reduction in the number of fish raised and stocked
in the future.
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