Local residents and school children were on hand to celebrate the release of 14,000 juvenile trout into Moberly Lake. The release of the trout is part of a six-year project to recover lake trout in Moberly Lake.

The release is a partnership between the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to help rebuild a declining lake trout population in Moberly Lake, north of Chetwynd. This hatchery release is intended to be the first of three over the next six years, with the goal of increasing the number of trout in the lake to at least 5,000 adult fish.

Extremely low numbers of lake trout had been confirmed in Moberly Lake - less than 400 fish - with poor survival rates and over-fishing of the species being contributing factors.

In fall 2010, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC began collecting eggs and semen from spawning lake trout in Moberly Lake. The fertilized eggs were transported to the society's Vancouver Island trout hatchery in Duncan where they were incubated and grown into yearlings, approximately 20 centimetres in length - large enough to be released into their natural habitat.

Rehabilitating a lake trout population takes an extensive amount of time and effort. Over the next six years ministry staff will continue collections from spawning lake trout and will monitor the success of the recovery.

Historically, lake trout in Moberly Lake provided an important fishery resource for local First Nations. The stock also supported a regional sport fishery and commercial fishery in the 1960s.

Hatchery releases are a major component of fish recovery programs. Recovery programs also include harvest closures, fish population monitoring, public awareness and working with local First Nations to assess local wildlife, fish and recreation values.

Quotes:

Blair Lekstrom, MLA for Peace River South -

"The re-stocking of lake trout in Moberly Lake is a combined effort by multiple partners. This collaboration to restore freshwater fish in B.C. is one that will help ensure the province's thriving freshwater fisheries continue to provide enjoyment for future generations."

Don Peterson, president, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC -

"The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC is dedicated to the enhancement and conservation of B.C.'s freshwater fish resources for the benefit of all British Columbians. We are proud and excited to be a key player in the efforts to rebuild the lake trout population in Moberly Lake."

Quick Facts:

• The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC stocks over 800 lakes and streams each year.
• Freshwater recreational fisheries contribute about $500 million to the provincial economy each year.
• Adult lake trout typical range in length from 45 to 65 centimetres and weigh about one to two kilograms.

Learn More:

Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC: http://www.gofishbc.com/home.aspx

B.C. Fish Facts - lake trout: http://www.gofishbc.com/documents/pdf/fish-facts/Lake_Trout.pdf

Contacts:

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

Don Peterson
President
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
250 414-4201