Captive Fish Lose Instincts, Study Says
Posted on: Wednesday, 11 October 2006, 21:00 CDT
Fish bred for generations in hatcheries lose their instincts and other traits that let wild fish thrive, a university study says.
The study, by Oregon State University and federal researchers, says typical hatchery steelhead trout produce 60 percent to 90 percent fewer offspring that survive until adulthood than wild steelhead, The (Portland) Oregonian reports.
They are also much more likely to be caught by fishermen, says the study, first published in the journal Conservation Biology.
By breeding fish over and over in hatcheries, we've essentially created a fish version of white lab mice, said Michael Blouin, an Oregon State zoology professor.
The finding stands out because the difference between hatchery and wild fish lies at the center of a debate.
While many scientists contend wild fish are vital to the future of their species, other groups argue wild fish do not need protection if hatchery fish are plentiful.
Source: United Press International
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