Stocking Best Management Practices

It’s that time of year when many carp ponds are stocked with new fish. As of now, there are no new restrictions involving carp harvest and transport in the Great Lakes region. Even so, fish haulers and pond owners need to exercise caution when transporting and stocking fish from any region. Here are a few best management practices when stocking fish.

Transporting Fish

Ensure fish supply is disease free. No known disease problems in water source. Especially exotic diseases.

Disinfect the transport vehicle before loading stock.

Handle fish with care. Fish can be scraped and bruised. Fish can lose scales. Rough handling can cause fish to lose protective slime coat (their defense against disease). Loss of scales and open wounds is also an opening for infection.

Move fish during cooler parts of the day.

Avoid delays.

Have all required permits or licenses in order. Carry in truck in case of inspection.

Check with proper regulatory authorities for current information on laws and regulations on transporting live fish before doing interstate business.

Disinfect the transport vehicle after unloading stock.

The goal is to provide healthy fish that survive after stocking. Another goal is to stop the spread of exotic diseases.

Stocking Fish

Know your supplier.

Know where your supplier is getting your fish stock. Is it known to have disease problems? It is best to avoid disease introductions.

Handle fish with care. Do not overload dip nets. Fish can be scraped and bruised. Fish can lose scales. Rough handling can cause fish to lose protective slime coat (their defense against disease). Loss of scales and open wounds is also an opening for infection.

Handle fish during cooler parts of the day.

Temper/acclimate fish to receiving pond water temperature. For every 10 F change in temperature, temper fish for 20 minutes.

Minimize the amount of time fish spend out of water.

If possible, isolate the new stock from existing stock. Many pond owners will be unable to do this. However this would be the ideal situation. After observing fish for a period of time, stock new fish with existing fish.

If isolating new stock is not possible, it is best to avoid disease introductions.

Where was the hauler before it came to your pond? Are you the first, second, or third stop?

Good Fish Husbandry

Maintain good water quality. Maintain adequate oxygen. Lime, and salt when needed.

Avoid overstocking.