Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: North Carolina
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

The goal of this research is to define the extent and causes of stocked trout migration and mortality among species and to elucidate the mechanisms responsible. We will combine intensive and extensive studies to determine the persistence of stocked trout in designated reaches and streams, and then the associated processes and mechanisms will be sought in a subset of stream reaches. Fish behavior and ecology will be examined to gain an understanding of the factors that may affect stocked fish growth, condition, and survival. Results may be used to inform and guide management actions to improve resource management strategies and to educate fishery constituents and the public.