A western Massachusetts environmental organization is challenging one of the most established fisheries management practices in The Bay State: stocking trout.
The Pittsfield-based Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) has launched a campaign called “Stop Non-Native Fish Stocking,” calling on the state to phase out its routine stocking of hatchery-raised trout.
At the center of the debate is MassWildlife, the state agency responsible for managing fisheries and wildlife resources. According to the agency, it operates five hatcheries and releases roughly half a million trout annually into rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds across Massachusetts…