Fish and Game Scientists Awarded for Sterile Fish Research

Fisheries biologists working for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game have received an award for Outstanding Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration. Biologists in the department's sterile hatchery fish research program received the award for their work on producing triploid trout. Triploid trout come from a process that uses heat shocking or pressure shocking. Scientists apply heat or pressure to trout eggs which adds a chromosome to their genetic makeup, making them sterile. Fish and Game began researching the use of sterile trout in its stocking program to address concerns about non-native trout spawning with native trout. Such hybridization can jeopardize the genetic integrity of native fish, especially cutthroat trout. The department now uses the sterile triploid rainbow trout to stock waterways where stocked fish might come into contact with native fish. The department is also working on sterilization of other species including lake trout. This would allow Fish and Game to continue stocking lake trout in places like Bear Lake. Many anglers enjoy the opportunity to catch lake trout, which typically grow to a much larger size than the native cutthroat. By stocking the lake with sterile fish, the department can ensure lake trout will not overpopulate Bear Lake, competing with and over-preying upon cutthroat trout. Plans like this provide a win-win situation; anglers get the chance to catch big fish, while populations of native species remain healthy.