[Lard Almighty]

Originally Posted by RWole

The NJDF&G need to modernize the pequest hatchery it is outdated.
If this season is lost due this disease than so it be, but than two things
should be done . Updates to the hatchery like previously stated and
use funds from licenses and stamps and purchase trout and stock the
holdover and trophy waters.

The impression I got from the meeting I attended last year is that any significant upgrades or additions to the hatchery would be too costly without raising the prices of trout stamps. NJF&W is reluctant to raise the price as they believe it will decrease interest in the trout stocking program from anglers, which makes some sense.

Also, the permit the hatchery has to withdraw water from the aquifer only allows for so much water withdrawal, which limits the amount of trout they can raise; the hatchery has been producing at capacity for years. So, even if the facilities are updated, the same quantity of trout would be produced, which would result in no tangible improvements to the program in the eyes of the average angler. They would be understandably upset if they were made to pay more for a program in which they see no improvements.

Knowing what we know, you or I may be willing to pay an extra 5-10 dollars a year for a hatchery upgrade, but many would not, and F&W has to keep all their "customers" happy.