Go green on the stream

Is Catch & Release another part of the “Going Green “ movement?
With folks conserving and recycling everything possible, why not conserve our natural resources as well ?
Every fish released alive can be later enjoyed by another angler, or yourself.
Lee Wulff wrote, “Game fish are too valuable to be caught only once”, and he made that claim decades ago.
If you support “going green”, include your favorite trout stream.

Better frozen, or “recycled” ?

The state is in tough economic times. This filters down to every state agency, including DEM, and Fish & Wildlife.
For years these two agencies have applied a basic formula: catching and keeping fish will be the motivation for anglers to buy licenses and trout stamps. Certainly for a sizeable portion of  anglers, this approach works, particularly on “opening day”. But is this the best, or only way to ensure fiscal solvency?
Lets consider a few additional facts.
The vast majority of all the trout caught in RI, are hatchery raised fish, purposefully put into our waters to be harvested. The state stocks approximately 85 fresh water locations, and 180,000 trout annually. Of these 85 stocked locations, only one is designated for catch and release fishing. There are Spring stockings, and often one each in the Fall and or Winter, depending on which body of water. Trout Unlimited volunteers are also assisted by the state to often additionally stock some select rivers, mainly the Wood-Pawcatuck.
It takes anywhere between 18 – 24 months to raise a trout from an egg in one of the state hatcheries. The average weight of a stocked trout is around 2lbs., and it costs the state between $5 – $7 per pound to raise and release that hatchery trout.
Rhode Island issues approximately 20,000 fresh water fishing licenses annually.
The cost for a RI resident fresh water license has been $18, plus $5.50 for a trout stamp. So for about $23.50, you could be eligible to catch up to five hatchery raised trout each day (10lbs @ $6 per pound !) and with no limit on your total annual harvest.

Responsible recreational anglers  should review this policy before fiscal reality forces it upon us.
C&R zones could not only motivate increased recreational angling, but it could accomplish this with less repeat fiscal loss to the state.
Catch and Release Fishing in effect supports “green” reusable recreation.