Judge Says Hatchery & Wild Fish Differ

From the Duh huh file and the Oregon Statesman Journal comes the word that a Judge has declared hatchery and wild trout to be different. This tidbit of info might not be news to anyone who has ever caught a six inch native brookie in a tiny mountain stream but it is news to the current administration who wanted to count stocked fish towards endangered species listing.

U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour, sitting in Seattle, on Wednesday struck down a Bush administration decision to consider hatchery salmon with their wild counterparts in determining whether certain runs need Endangered Species Act protection.

FYI - The above trout with its pale colors and mangled fins is one of the hatchery raised variety.